Switching high risk MFM during pregnancy

Hi there,

[This is my first post ever! Yay!] Has anyone ever had to switch high risk docs during pregnancy? I am trying not to feel stressed or anxious about this...but it keeps creeping in...any thoughts or reassurance are SO welcome.

I'm 15 weeks with di/di twins, using Lovenox daily. My regular OB/Gyn is on the non-interventional end of the spectrum, meaning hands-off baby and mom until 24 weeks and then blood work/ultrasound, etc. as needed. My original high-risk MFM, SUPER intense blood clotting specialist, is on the very opposite end of the spectrum, meaning ultrasounds and blood work every 2 weeks starting at week 6. The 2 docs and their respective offices have significant communication issues and it was recommended that I switch high risk docs to improve communication/pregnancy management.

So I switched...the new MFM is waaaaaay less intense and now it feels like a free fall. Is less monitoring Okay early on with di/di twins?

Thanks very much in advance.

 

Absolutely. I had di-di twins discovered at my routine 19 week u/s. It was ironic, because my cool OB referred me to his friend, a high risk MFM specialist. The MFM's office couldn't figure out why I was there, until they found the twins - fortutious!

I was surprised that the MFM, who I nicknamed Dr. McDreamy, only wanted to see me every 4 weeks, and I asked him about it. He said I should worry if he wanted to see me more. My di-di twins had a bit of a weight difference, but both grew on their own curve. All the MFM cared about was:

1) how is my cervix doing? Still long?
2) is the growth normal?
3) normal fluid levels
4) normal blood flow in the cords

Everything was good all along. I ended up seeing him at 19 weeks, 23, 27, 30, 34 and 37. Maybe even a little less, maybe just 5 in all.

But, a good peri will know when everything is going the way it should be. Di-di twins are the safest. I do still think monthly checks are worth it (and fun!), but really, it was plenty for me!

 

I started, obviously, with my regular doctor. I did the quad screen at 17 weeks and had elevated levels for AFP. I was sent to the MFM for the ultrasound and that's when they discovered there were two babies (di/di). I went back at 20 weeks for the full u/s with measurements, etc and after that started seeing my regular OB every two weeks instead of monthly. There I just do the basic pee, get my belly measured, get weighed, check the heartbeats, and my blood pressure. In and out in 20 minutes. I had low (borderline) platelets for awhile so they were drawing blood each time until I had 3 normals in a row for that, then they stopped until this week when I did the glucose since they were taking blood anyway. I get the u/s with the MFM every 6 weeks. I wish it was more frequent (even every 4 weeks) because I LOVE those appointments!

I would think as long as everything is going well for you, there's no reason for full ultrasounds and bloodwork every two weeks. I'm almost to 29 now and she's not planning on going to go to weekly appointments for at least a month yet. My next ultrasound is at 31 weeks, June 7.

 

Thanks for the responses...I already feel better after reading.

I really need to try and chill out and have some faith in the docs and their abilities...and in my ability to communicate, for that matter.

Baby steps?!

 

I am going on 27wks with di/di twins and not even seeing a high risk doctor. I have a very overly cautious doctor in my practive though who I will probably schedule with between now and deliver just to make me feel better. BUT I am not on any type of medication or had any problems. I didn't even know I was having twins until seven weeks ago.

 

I saw the MFM a few times for specialized screens (they did the 20 week scan and a big measure scan at 30 weeks when they though the weights were off). My doc said as long as I didn't have any problems there wasn't a need. My boys are di/di, and I'm 35 weeks, with no complications so far (just lots of uncomfortable ailments).