I was told I need to see someone as I am a high risk candidate for pregnancy. Anyone have good recs for a maternal fetal medicine doc (or even better, nurse practioner)? DC preferred but will go to MD or VA if they're the best! WOman also preferred. Thanks! |
I mean you do you but I had terrible experiences with all the MFM doctors I saw. They were nice enough and educated but every time I went there were 5,000 more things that could be wrong with me, my baby, etc. I just didn’t need the stress of that and it was pre-COVID - I can’t imagine dealing with a MFM now with the stress of the world happening simultaneously. Obviously if there is something severely wrong your OB can’t handle and you need monitored by one then it’s a different story. I switched OB’s halfway and my new OB specifically did not want me routinely going to them because of the stress it causes her patients and she referred me out only at the very end. My baby and I were totally healthy when all was said and done. |
I’ve had an amazing experience with Dr. Drassinower at Georgetown (MFM) through two pregnancies. She is the rare practitioner who is whip-smart and take-charge, but also very gentle and compassionate. I have never found her to be alarmist and appreciate the extra scans and monitoring given my issues. Have never felt rushed. I don’t love the teaching hospital aspect of Georgetown (constant interruptions during recovery) or the endless construction but it’s absolutely worth it to feel in such safe hands when you’re high risk. |
Who told you that you'll need to see an MFM in the first place? My experience is that every OB has their own preferred MFM they trust and like to work with. Thus, I would ask the OB you'll be seeing during pregnancy who they suggest. I have had consults with 4 different MFMs in MoCo while either TTC or pregnant (long story why I've seen so many), and my experience is similar to a PP's statement. Every one I've seen has been either alarmist, dismissive, rushed, or disengaged. |
I saw the MFMs at GW because I have an underlying condition that makes me high risk and also did IVF. Unfortunately my pregnancy ended at 12 weeks, but the doctors I saw were good. I don’t think you can guarantee you will always see the same doctor and they take a team approach. You can also see regular OBs for some appointments too. |
I worked with the MFM practice at Sibley during my 2nd pregnancy. It was very pleasant. I had a terrible experience at Holy Cross with my 1st pregnancy. They caused me severe anxiety and were wrong on numerous ultrasound findings. |
I loved Dr. Driggers at Sibley. She’s very candid and honest but also compassionate. She did an amino last minute and my baby was fine. And now the baby is almost two and healthy. Best of luck to you. |
I found Dr. Michael Gallagher very soothing and grandfatherly. Usually I prefer female doctors, but Dr. Gallagher is exceptional. |
I love, love, love Dr. Timofeev at Sibley. I had a bit of a medical (but not pregnancy) emergency this week and she called me after hours to make sure everything was ok. |
+1 They're all a racket. |
I agree finding someone who your OB likes to work with. Mine was in the same building (hospital) as my OB and they clearly were friendly and on the same page about my care. I really loved my MFM - I saw Dr. Kelly Orzechowski at VHC. |
Perinatal Associates in fairfax were amazing. |
Dr. Helaine Landy is a total pro at Georgetown though she may be retired. |
I am with the MFMs at GW, and see them for everything OB related since I am pretty high-risk (hypertension, elderly, IVF). The nurse is great and the docs I have seen are also nice. only drawback from my perspective is that you _are_ entering the hospital, which is going to be more crowded than just a regular medical office. I do telemedicine for about every other appointment, and go in when I need a sono or bloodwork. Helpfully the midwife suite on the floor will do bloodwork, so you don't have to go down to the lab open to the rest of the hospital. |
Dr. Fries at WHC |