Anyone use Physicians and Midwives in the Alexandria area with a high risk pregnancy?

[Anonymous]

As the title says, I'm trying to get feedback on using this practice with a high risk pregnancy. I am high risk solely because of age (which I understand can definitely be a risk factor). I have one child, and the pregnancy and birth were uncomplicated. I tend to like to go the more natural route when possible - I'd probably use a midwife if I were younger - but am not opposed to intervention when needed. I know this is a specific situation, but if anyone has any feedback I'd really appreciate it. Were you able to generally see the same doctor? Did you feel like they were adept at handling high risk? If you have any specific doctor recommendations, or even other practice recommendations, feel free to pass them along. Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

I used them and gave birth over the summer; if you are truly high risk then you will be seeing the MFM team at Inova Alexandria in addition to your P&M team. I didn’t always see the same providers but that didn’t bother me; they had access to all my MFM monitoring details and when it was time for my scheduled C-section Dr.K did a fantastic job and the midwife on duty was great. I had to go for weekly monitoring at the MFM towards the last few weeks so whatever practice you choose make sure it’s convenient.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your feedback! Yes, I am already seeing the MFM doctor and will continue throughout the pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

I wasn’t high risk until delivery (water broke way early, baby ended up super premie) but they were great at that point. Delivery was done by a midwife I’d never met, but she was perfectly qualified and delivered my son efficiently!

[Anonymous]

I am seeing them now as FTM and happy with the care. I am also ”high risk” due to age which is a bunch of crap and shows lack of research in pregnancy, anywho. I plan on using a dula which Inova Alexandria is allowing through covid. I think it will increase my odds of a natural delivery and havifn a support person who can be there pre and post birth as I have no family close. Just an idea.

[Anonymous]

It’s been a few years for me, but when I was there if you weren’t expecting a c-section they recommended seeing different providers so that you were more likely to have met the person who would deliver your baby (since it will depend who is on call.)

If you end up needing a scheduled c-section (which I did) you will see the doctor you’re scheduled with for the rest of your visits.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much ladies! I'm new to the area and haven't felt comfortable with my current OB, though she's competent. I'm going to call and make an appointment - my gut tells me this will be a much better fit.

[Anonymous]

Saw Dr. Ahdoot for two high-risk pregnancies while also seeing their MFM. He’s a great doctor and nice man.

[Anonymous]

PP here. Both pregnancies were scheduled C-sections.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Saw Dr. Ahdoot for two high-risk pregnancies while also seeing their MFM. He’s a great doctor and nice man.

I agree that he is nice. His wife is a ped at Peds of Alex. I had a terrible experience with Dr Cunningham. I wanted a VBAC and she told me it wasn't worth it. The way she said it was extremely insensitive. I left for GW. I had a C with P&M a few years ago for failure to descend. They gave me 1 hour from giving me Pitocin before recommending the C. I was very low risk. Now that I know better, I feel I was pushed to an unnecessary C and should have given the Pitocin more time.

[Anonymous]

To original poster: How is it going? I am early with #3 and my in-network providers changed, so I am newly considering P&M. It is not the closest option to me, but I am looking forward to the least amount of medical intervention as possible.

To others with experience also: How is the care during covid times? Mostly telehealth? How often do you go in?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

NP - I had a low risk pregnancy turn high risk about halfway though during my first pregnancy. I started with the P&M midwives and then was transferred to the OBs and MFMs. I did not think the coordination was smooth between them or with my other specialist doctor that had to be brought in, and my delivery was much more complicated because of it. For my second, I went to the GW OBs and found their communication and collaboration to be much, much better.

[Anonymous]

I was high risk because if underlying medical issues. Used P&M, in consultation with the MFM group at Inova Alex. Everything was fine, and I felt I had excellent care.

[Anonymous]

I’m high risk this time because of age (first baby born far far away so the provider is irrelevant), and I’m using P&M because of their post-partum care. With my first I had an absolutely awful time healing from a vaginal birth and was basically only see at 4 weeks to get re-cut and re-stitched, and then at 6 weeks and then when I called at 5months out still in pain and burst into tears because I was still in pain - I had called almost monthly before that was told to just be patient that it takes time. I needed a procedure to remove scar tissue it wasn’t ever going to”just heal”.

I’ve spoken with my favorite at P&M and they do more than just one pp appointment - they see you at 1week, 2 weeks, then 6 & 8 weeks. They take PPD/PPA seriously, and will even see you last minute if you need it. I have a close friend who has used them for 2 AMA pregnancies and she had good experiences. I also had an ovarian cyst operated on by them a few years ago, and loved my surgeon (hopefully I can use her for a planned csection cause I’m never delivering vaginally again).