Newly pregnant - OB recs during COVID?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
Hi, I live in DC and just found out from at-home tests that I am pregnant. This would be my first pregnancy. I called my PCP to schedule an appointment to confirm pregnancy and also get my first pre-natal guidance, but the best they could do was a telehealth call one month from now. By the time I have that telehealth call, I'll be on CD74, and then I'll have to wait yet again to get in with an OB... so I think I want to try and just schedule directly with an OB now.
I currently don't have a dedicated gynecologist (my PCP does my well-woman checkups), so I'm starting from zero in looking for an OB. I'm looking for recommendations in the metro DC area (I live in DC but am willing to drive to Northern VA for appointments), especially for an OB who will take me for in-person appointments during Covid. Does anyone here have any recommendations? I feel rather lost at sea. |
Anonymous
|
The good news is you have tons of good options. The bad news is there's tons of good options, so it can be hard to choose. Do you know where you want to deliver? That can be helpful in narrowing down options.
Personally, I delivered with the WHC midwives and loved them, and have heard nothing but good things about the OBs. |
Anonymous
| I don't have a rec (I'm with kaiser), but you will have to adjust your expectations for this pregnancy. it's also my first, and they didn't want me to come in until I was 11 weeks. I confirmed with home tests about 2 days after my missed period, and even though I wanted to come in earlier they would not have me. they want to limit the # of visits, so they wanted to wait until they could do genetic testing. my second in person appointment will be at 21 weeks |
Anonymous
| I think based on geography, I'd prefer to deliver at Sibley, Georgetown, or GW. I've heard great things about Sibley, but it looks like the practices that admit there don't take my insurance (I'm on a BCBS EPO). Where do the WHC midwives deliver? |
Anonymous
At Medstar Washington Hospital Center, right next to Children's National. It isn't the fanciest facility, but the care is great. They're also the only hospital in the area (I think) that has nitrous oxide for labor, if that's something you care about. |
Anonymous
|
I’d start by calling Bloom. They fill up quick and by the time I was 10 weeks were already full. See if they accept you and you can always decide to go elsewhere later.
I’m at Foxhall and am very happy. Love all the doctors I’ve seen so far and the office staff has been kind even when crazy busy busting their butts. Only complaint in a COVID world is the office is occasionally crowded, but I never felt unsafe. |
Anonymous
the maternity ward at Sibley is in a separate building, it is brand new and they have very few active Covid cases in Sibley at present. It is where i delivered my first and where I will deliver my second. there was not even a chance that I would deliver anywhere else given Covid I think there are several OBs that take BCBS and deliver at Sibley CWC K Street Reiter Hill Nevin and Johnson Dr. de Souza Dr. Footer There are others too.. I am at Reiter Hill and have been happy but others have not so you should check past threads. I would note that there are very practices that are without critics |
Anonymous
I love the midwives too! Postpartum room and food at WHC are not awesome but the providers are great. |
Anonymous
| I second the recommendation for Bloom. There are now 4 doctors in the practice, all wonderful. They deliver at Sibley. They delivered my first in 2028, and I’m currently seeing them for my second pregnancy. All of my visits have been in-person (starting at 10 weeks, but I had a dating ultrasound at SGF, so maybe they see patients earlier if they need that). Although it can be hard to get into the practice, I have heard that a follow up phone call from your or your PCP can help. |
Anonymous
| I'm very happy with the WHC OBs but I think proximity to your house/work (lol remember when) is paramount so if you're closer to Sibley I would do that. |
Anonymous
Yes I agree that proximity is important- even now with COVID I’ve had biweekly in-person appointments in the late stages of my pregnancy due to some complications. It’s nice to have the doctor close by. |
Anonymous
| Where in DC do you live OP? I would pick either Georgetown or GW - whichever is more convenient. I delivered in VHC and my OBGYN is dr Casadaban with healthcare for women. She is amazing as is the practice. But I’m not sure how convenient Arlington is to you. Also I’m not sure but they might be seeing patients in their Reston office only. |
Anonymous
|
Dr. Engle at Ritter and Hill Chevy chase
Dr. Footer in North Bethesda Fox hall obgyn upper nw Dr De Souza in upper nw All deliver at Sibley |
Anonymous
| Foxhall does not take bcbs |
Anonymous
|
I had a horrible experience with Bloom. I was 28 when I gave birth to my first and during my pregnancy, I used to joke that the doctors would hear a heartbeat and throw me out of the office. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I repeatedly asked the doctors what the hard thing was at the top of my uterus. They told me “parts”. Turns out baby had been breech all along; I only found out after 9 hours of labor. My daughter needed months of physical therapy and I felt like a failure. I was so deferential to my doctors, I felt like I failed to advocate for my baby. It always felt like they weren’t listening to me or paying attention and I was right. I think it is because I was so young by DC standards. It always seemed like I was the youngest one in the waiting room by 10 years.
Now I’m due in October with my second. I cannot say enough good things about Foxhall. I love them. The first couple of times I visited, I was truly shocked at how much time the doctors spent with me. Even my husband was shocked (got pregnant in pre-COVID times). The difference has been night and day. And the administrative staff are also so much nicer. Best of luck to you! |