If you end up changing your obstetrician for one reason or another during pregnancy, such as moving, change of insurance, etc., it is very important that you make sure that it is a successful and good change for you. In order to make sure that both you and your baby are taken care of, and also to ensure that nothing is forgotten in the transfer, there are certain things that you will need to do. This article will discuss three things to remember to do when changing your obstetrician during pregnancy. 

Transfer Your Medical Records

Perhaps one of the most important things that you can do when it comes to changing your obstetrician during pregnancy is to have all of your medical records transferred over. Since HIPPA laws are there to protect your medical records, you are going to need to make sure that you sign release forms to give these records to your new obstetrician. Having these records released will give your new obstetrician all of the information that they need regarding your current and any previous pregnancy, as well as information regarding all of the care that you have received during this pregnancy. This will give them all of the background information that they need on you and will help them best treat you and your baby for the rest of your pregnancy. 

Verbally Tell Them Any Information Regarding Your Pregnancy

Even though your obstetrician will be given all of your medical records when you transfer to them, it is still important that you discuss any issues or important information you have regarding your pregnancy or past pregnancies. For example, if your first child was delivered via C-section, be sure that you tell your obstetrician this as well as the reason why you had the C-section. You will also want to tell them if your baby is measuring small, if you are prone to high blood pressure, etc. This information coming from you will simply help them to better treat you and make sure that nothing is accidentally overlooked.

Make Sure All Testing is Done and All Vaccinations are Received

At different times throughout your pregnancy, you will receive certain tests and screenings, and these will include blood tests for genetic screening as well as your glucose test. You will also need to have a group B strep test done near the end of your pregnancy to see if you are a carrier and to get you medication during delivery, if necessary. You are also going to want to make sure that you receive all of the recommended vaccinations if you so desire, such as your flu shot and DTaP shot. All of these tests and vaccinations are very important, and you need to make sure that none of them are forgotten. Changing doctors can sometimes make it so that these are forgotten, so be sure to bring them to your doctor's attention.