Family Dr or OBGYN??

**X_Tina** · 03-03-2011 09:07 PM

Is a family doctor just as good when pregnant or do I need an OBGYN? Could someone please explain the difference to me please? I want my facts straight before I ask my doctor to refer me to an OBGYN...

**ItsASecret** · 03-03-2011 09:14 PM

OBGYN are far more specialized with pregnancy. Family docs just do the basics, referrals, blood work, general check ups, general health issues. Anything specialized gets referred to a specialist. You can probably do basic check ups with your family doc but it may be more beneficial to see a OBGYN as you progress in the pregnancy.

**LanaBear** · 03-04-2011 01:13 PM

I would highly recommend an OB. Often times, especially now, a family Dr will just end up referring your to an OB, especially for delivery as many general family Dr's will not do the actual delivery. Besides an OB has the education, training, etc to deal with any complications that may arise during pregnancy and delivery.

**GlossyT** · 03-04-2011 09:53 PM

I think I lucked out for the most part since mine is a Family Doc. She sees many patients just for OBGYN reasons. She has delivered many many baby's, performed c-sections including emergency c-sections. And now she is also my DD pediatrition. I feel that its soo nice to all go to the same one, she knows us, what my pregnancy was like, how the delivery went, and knows what my DD is like. Not having to switch or see more than one is nice.
I will agree with others in that during my pregnancy it was pretty basic, she only has a dopler to get baby's heart rate. And we had to go to hospital across the street to L&D to do an ultrasound. So I'd would say it depends on what you personally feel you might need.

**X_Tina** · 03-05-2011 04:23 PM

Okay, thanks...My dr said he would be referring my to an OBGYN later on in my pregnancy. So I am ok there. He is doing the heartbeat in 4 weeks himself. Hopefully they can do an ultrasound there. How soon are you supposed to get an ultrasound done?

**LanaBear** · 03-07-2011 01:07 PM

With my first, I had a vaginal ultrasound at 6 weeks, it basically looks like a little blob of goo, lol.

The standard ultrasounds usually are not done until 16-20 weeks, unless there are other issues. At that point, unless the baby doesn't cooperate, the gender should be able to be identified.