Finding a Ob gyn at short notice

[mohitk]

Someone just moved to Mississauga from US and the wife is 36 wks pregnant. Today their family doctor told them that she can't find a Gynecologist affiliated with either Credit Valley or Trillium and the only option they have is to keep coming to her for checkups and then go to the hospital emergency for delivery.

I know things are tight but can things be this bad that they can't find a single doctor to take care of her?

[dibksbgon]

Someone just moved to Mississauga from US and the wife is 36 wks pregnant. Today their family doctor told them that she can't find a Gynecologist affiliated with either Credit Valley or Trillium and the only option they have is to keep coming to her for checkups and then go to the hospital emergency for delivery.

I know things are tight but can things be this bad that they can't find a single doctor to take care of her?


*Cough* Go back to the States *cough* (not saying it in negative way... well not entirely)
Sorry but you expect to all of a sudden find an OBGYN in the last 4 weeks (if that)? Of course not.
How the heck do they have a family doctor if they just moved here is the biggest question...

[erinatourkidsnet]

Hi there! Have they tried contacting the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada? http://sogc.org/contact_e.asp They may have information or may be able to direct.

Also have they considered a midwife? http://www.ontariomidwives.ca/

My sister used a midwife for her second child and would do so again - they provided her information and care all throughout her pregnancy and belong to Ontario hospitals. They're available to speak to 24/7 and there's a section on that website to help you search for a clinic in your area.

Hope this helps! :)

[sienna owner]

visit the hospital website and call them yourself

[mohitk]

*Cough* Go back to the States *cough* (not saying it in negative way... well not entirely)
Sorry but you expect to all of a sudden find an OBGYN in the last 4 weeks (if that)? Of course not.
How the heck do they have a family doctor if they just moved here is the biggest question...

They got a family doc thanks to a Credit Valley site telling them which ones were accepting new patients.

[dibksbgon]

^If the issue is that they just can't find one at the preferred hospital then they should just suck it up and go to one the doctor recommends then. I mean at 36 weeks you can't just sit around and wait.

[mohitk]

^If the issue is that they just can't find one at the preferred hospital then they should just suck it up and go to one the doctor recommends then. I mean at 36 weeks you can't just sit around and wait.

Doctor doesn't have any OBGYN - she is offering a family doctor

[dibksbgon]

Doctor doesn't have any OBGYN - she is offering a family doctor

Ah sorry my misreading and misunderstanding.
Well then they have a GP and will have to do.

I am not sure how much they are expecting with less than 4 weeks to go...
The GP will be able to do many of the things an OBGYN will do. Not all obviously. So they likely just have to role with the punches.

[wirebound]

Chances that they'll get a midwife are even smaller than getting an OB, I'd look for a family doc in the area that also does deliveries, or an OB out of the area, or just stick with the current doc... If the pregnancy is without complications, going to the hospital for the delivery probably won't be much different than seeing an OB you're really just met anyways...

[ji_howa]

Wow poor planning anyone?

Did they have insurance and have had regular check ups in the US? If so, and someone has been following the pregnancy as it has progressed, then seeing the GP for the last few weeks of pregnancy is not an issue.

I do recommend calling the OB unit at the local hospital where they want to deliver in order to set up a visit, so that when the big day comes, they will know where to go and at least be familiar with the hospital and the people there. The Emergency Department will NOT take care of the delivery and just redirect you to OB, which can cause delays and showing up at the hospital in a panic when the contractions are frequent or the water is broken will not be a pleasant nor efficient experience. There will be an OB on call when she goes into labour, and they will deliver the baby. Alternatively, some GPs deliver their own babies if things are uncomplicated, this adds the benefit of continuity, and is fairly safe as the hospital will have an OB on call for if things go hairy.

Good luck with your friend

[PianoGuy]

There will be an OB on call when she goes into labour, and they will deliver the baby.

It may be worth it to note that this is often the case, even if you have your own OBGYN. In many hospitals, it's luck of the draw if "your" OBGYN is on duty when you're in labour. If not, you get whoever happens to be there at the time.

[mohitk]

Wow poor planning anyone?

Did they have insurance and have had regular check ups in the US? If so, and someone has been following the pregnancy as it has progressed, then seeing the GP for the last few weeks of pregnancy is not an issue.

I do recommend calling the OB unit at the local hospital where they want to deliver in order to set up a visit, so that when the big day comes, they will know where to go and at least be familiar with the hospital and the people there. The Emergency Department will NOT take care of the delivery and just redirect you to OB, which can cause delays and showing up at the hospital in a panic when the contractions are frequent or the water is broken will not be a pleasant nor efficient experience. There will be an OB on call when she goes into labour, and they will deliver the baby. Alternatively, some GPs deliver their own babies if things are uncomplicated, this adds the benefit of continuity, and is fairly safe as the hospital will have an OB on call for if things go hairy.

Good luck with your friend

Tell me about it!:) I have been telling them that since the time they told me both things (pregnancy and moving to Canada).

They've had regular checkups in US and the pregnancy is smooth till now. I guess an OBGYN is more a peace of mind thing for them at this stage. They should know more tomorrow once they follow all the leads.

Good call on checking out the OB unit. I'll ask them to book a class/tour if one's available.

[sienna owner]

Also keep in mind that some hospitals have a Pre-registration to make things smoother.

[oddduck]

Well, they won't need to go to ER -- just the L & D area. Normally the OB on call just delivers you, not a huge deal. As long as she is getting prenatal care, I wouldn't sweat it. My used my GP with my first until 32 weeks. The OB didn't do anything other then check me once internally before I was scheduled for an induction. Just the standard tests, quick listen for the heart beat, and out the door.

My mom delivered me 250km from home, went into labour spontaneously. She wasn't turned away at the hospital, they called the OB, I was born. Not a huge deal. It's not like there won't be anyone to catch the baby.

I'd still call around and see if she can fine an OB with some availability (even if it is not at her preferred hospital), just in case there are some pregnancy complications in the last few weeks, she goes post dates and needs an induction, etc.

[mohitk]

They visited Trillium and were provided with a list of OBs who work at Trillium and might accept her. The first one in the list has agreed to see her (said no initially but relented when requested) so things are looking good.

For someone who might be in a similar position, go talk to someone in the Labor and Delivery section at Trillium and request them to provide you with a OB as you have none. The chances of getting one are good if you are persistent.