Doctor appointments

[K_Bmomma]

I know this might be horrible and I'm sure I will get alot of " you should go because its not only for you but the baby too" type of comments which is fine but let me give you a little bit of back ground. I'm terrified of going to the doctors. I've been going since I've found out pregnant. I'm 19 and would ONLY go to the Dr if I had to get my sports physical to play in high school or if I was on the verge of dying. My junior and seinior year in high school I took a medical assiating class (wierd i know) but in loved it! I wasnt the patient in that case tho which I think I was so okay with it. Unfortunately it didn't help my phobia. I like my doctor he is a very nice man. Gentle. Calm. Funny. But its not him just the idea of being in a Drs office it gets me. I WILL not go alone and I had my baby's anatomy scan 2 weeks ago and I don't really want to go back until in have to give birth (which I'm terrified about I mean a HOSPITAL ?!!? ) ill be a nervous wreck! I'd like to go natural but am afraid it will hurt to bad. Natural mostly because I know what an epidural is and what it does and how big that needle is and where they jam it into so.. no thanks. The ONLY reason I would consider it is if I can't relax. I know I should but do I HAVE to go to the doctor for regular check ups if I had no problems what so ever. My baby is kicking on a reg basis. I'm about 24 weeks now and can feel it outside my tummy sometimes now. He was at the right weight on the scan no deformaties. I don't want to have any tests done to see if he will have and sort of disorder.. It would crush me to know before I've even held him like a pre judge thing.. I'm gaining the right amount.of weight I don't have any major stresses in my life and people have healthy babies with out even going to the doctor all the time right? Please tell me in not the only one like this..

[KTowne]

I agree with Spiket, unfortunately, this is a time you have to go. Urine tests aren't just for fun, they're for your baby's, and your safety. Especially being a first time mom, not knowing what's normal and what's not. Good luck!

[mrssandefur]

I agree with FreshLove, go twice more in your third trimester to get used to the environment and to.make sure all is well with baby and your woman parts down there. But as long as baby is moving well (buy a scale) and you're gaining an appropriate amount of weight, no bleeding, no major pain that you can't relieve, you don't swell up abnormally and don't start seeing spots, or fainting/passing out, you are OK.
Congratulations and good luck!!

[K_Bmomma]

I've thought about the home birth stuff.. just not sure how to even start  looking for that. I've told my doctor I don't usually go to the doctor and his response was "well you'll be going alot now" great just what I wanted to hear. Lol but as far as taking my a baby to the doctor I would be better with that still uncomfortable but I'd be stronger for my baby

[Spiket77]

Sorry Hun, but you gotta go. You can call your doc and ask him to put you on a minimum visit schedule...meaning the least you can go to make sure everything is cool. I'm all about minimal intervention and testing so I understand your issues. You need to get your urine tested for protein and sugars on a regular basis. The weight is less of an issue but the urine test is pretty important. I would get the Strep B test done too. That can be tragic if missed.
I have a big fear of hospitals too. I've seen more people go in sick and end up dying than I would like to admit. I also believe pregnancy and labor is more likely to be a natural event than a medical emergency. So with that I was able to find a birthing center that was run my midwives as an alternative option. Maybe you can look into that? It was more of a home like environment. They are trained to deal with normal healthy pregnancies and can 'risk you out' if they see a problem that needs medical attention. I would also tell your doctor about your fears. He may have some solutions. Good luck!!!

[FreshLove]

If baby is healthy, you are counting kicks and all is well there, and you are eating healthy than I don't see a need to go to the doctor. Though I do suggest going at least twice more in the 3rd trimester just to get yourself prepared for "the environment." Also, have you considered homebirth? When you are in labor the LAST thing you need is to be stressed because the release of adrenaline slows down labor, making it last longer and leads to more interventions (such as pitocin to speed it up, an epidural for the pain, and increased c-section rates). So if hospitals and doctors freak you out, I suggest looking for a certified midwife who can deliver you safely at home, and as long as you are low risk homebirths have been proven to be just as safe, and sometimes safer for mother and child (trust me, I've done a lot of research on this, lol).

Then you will be in a much more familiar, relaxed environment, you won't have whatever random doctor is on call, and the midwife will be the one taking care of you your whole pregnancy. And they tend to be more lenient because they trust the natural process of childbirth so if you only want to get a check up every other month or something I'm sure she'd be fine with that.

Anyway, just something to think about :) you do have options.

[Trainermom]

Maybe you could use this opportunity to get better with Drs visits.  I dont normally go to the Dr either, but when I'm pregnant it's not about me.  I think you should try talking to someone about your fears and hopefully you can get more comfortable with it.  Once your baby is born you will have to go to the Dr for them and they will be getting a lot of shots and that was more difficult for me.  Good Luck :-)