https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:50:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1197478 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 14:34:39 +0000 skipra 1197478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats! Personally I would not want my OB or midwife to be an hour away. Currently my primary care doctor is an hour away and it is a royal pain and I hardly ever see him. I could not even imagine driving 2 hours round trip for every single appointment during pregnancy. Especially if there are any complications at all. Towards the end of my last pregnancy I was going 2-3 times a week and it was difficult even with my doctor being local.<br /> I don't have any advice about male OBGYN's. I've only ever had a female. Do you have the option for a midwife? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1197446 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 14:23:08 +0000 deactivated_account 1197446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I chose an OBGYN that is far from my house. I did not have any personal reccomendations for her, but I loved her instantly during my initial appointment with her. Maybe you can look up yelp reviews for the lady doctors that mentioned are closer to you. (Although, personally, I do not ever trust yelp reviews.) </p> <p>I wouldn't be too concerned about distance, however, if you really want to go to your friend's doctor. Mine is about 45 minutes withOUT traffic. She's about 15 minutes from my work - again, without traffic. I'm sure there are other OBGYN's that other people think are fabulous near my house, but when it comes to someone looking at my lady parts, I won't let a little distance stop me from being my most comfortable. And I personally won't be comfortable with a male OBGYN. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1197218 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 12:53:41 +0000 Mrs. J 1197218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go where you feel most comfortable. My midwife/OBGYN practice is 30-35 minutes from my house (25 from work), and the hospital is 45 minutes from my house. In retrospect, a little far, but I loved the midwives. I hope the drive won't be bad when I finally go into labor! For LO#2, I think we will switch to the hospital 10 minutes from our house--they have a brand new birthing center with midwives. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195558 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:38:59 +0000 lemondrop 1195558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats!</p> <p>Remembering the weekly appointments toward the end and how much driving sucked with a belly, I would definitely try to stay local. I also wouldn't rule out an OB just because of gender! I met all the ob's in the practice over the early appointments during my last pregnancy- I ended up choosing one of the males to be my primary OB, he was awesome! He also had much more personal experience with a very recently pregnant wife, while neither of the female ob's had been pregnant. He was sympathetic, had a great sense of humor and very courteous- offering a hand to help me up from laying on the table. The female ob's I met were much more abrasive and intense. </p> <p>The practice always had a female nurse in the room when there was anything going on "down there." He was the one who delivered my first son, I liked him so much that I changed practices to follow him when I became pregnant with my second son. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195504 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:16:12 +0000 gilmoregirl 1195504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I agree with those who have suggested giving some thought to seeing a male OB. When I moved to my current town, I searched only for female OB/GYNs and I felt really uncomfortable with the idea of seeing a male doctor. Now that I'm pregnant, I rotate through the doctor's in the practice, and I've been surprised to find that a male doctor is actually my favorite. I'm definitely reconsidering my preferences.</p> <p>And like others have said, you can always switch if it just doesn't work for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195495 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:13:58 +0000 LindsayInNY 1195495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>From a different perspective, my current ob/gyn is in Manhattan since that's where I use to work. It was convenient for appointments. Now I work north of Manhattan but don't want to change doctors. By train, it's about 45 minutes or so from either work or home to the office. It's probably about the same by car? The timing/distance never phased me. If anything, whenever I'm in labor, DH and I might have to find somewhere local to stay if I'm not admitted. So if you really love the out of town doctor, maybe that's what you do, just in case? As soon as you think you're in labor, head that way and have a local hotel in mind if you need a place to stay until you progress!</p> <p>Sending you endless and stickiest congrats!!! &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195435 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:52:16 +0000 MrsF 1195435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congratulations!!</p> <p>I was sure I wanted a female OB, but it ended up being a male OB who delivered M (he was on call that night). I am actually considering switching to him when we start thinking about baby #2! I wouldn't be comfortable having my dr an hour away. I had some complications that didn't show up until late 3rd trimester and I was in and out of the hospital almost every day. I was very glad to be close to home. You can always switch OBs if you go to a few appointments and aren't comfortable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195396 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:36:54 +0000 googly-eyes 1195396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I'd try the ones 20-30 min away. I had a female ob about that distance away and it works out great. Got to the hospital in plenty of time, even though we waited til transition to go.</p> <p>The female that's in town may be better now that you're actually pregnant but I understand if you just can't. </p> <p>Congrats!! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195392 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:35:11 +0000 fussygal 1195392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats!!</p> <p>I'm in a VERY similar situation. We moved back to our small hometown last year and when I got preg this summer we had to decide between the limited (and not very good) local options or going 1 hour away to an awesome practice and hospital. I decided to do the hour away and so far it's been great! I'm really glad I didn't let distance factor into my decision once I realized how much I liked the doctor and facilities. Good luck!</p> <p>ETA: I am a bit nervous about the length of drive when I'm in labor, but I plan to talk to my doctor about the best plan of action. As for the increase in appt. frequency toward the end I'm not worried since I'll probably want a reason to not be working for a few hours at that point :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195385 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:31:50 +0000 edelweiss 1195385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>congratulations!</p> <p>i would probably go with the male OB nearby that people like. i had a male OB and it wasn't that weird. when they start doing dilation checks towards the end of pregnancy, a female staff is in the room with you, and as you know from regular GYN appointments it's all very business like. for labor delivery, i really, really didn't care who was delivering me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195377 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:28:01 +0000 Vegmama 1195377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh! I am so very happy to see this thread. Congrats to you ... seriously, this makes me so happy. </p> <p>I say figure out where you'll be delivering (home, hospital, birth center), then find a doctor that can deliver there. We wanted a home birth, so that obviously meant a midwife (and one that worked with our insurance). </p> <p>Really, it's what you're most comfortable with. You don't want that piece to cause you ANY stress during pregnancy. After all, the appointments are SO fun. </p> <p>I had a male urologist, and he was really great. I thought I'd be uncomfortable with him, but really, it was no different than a female OB/GYN. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195142 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 14:08:45 +0000 BelugaBean 1195142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First, congratulations! I would agree with choosing a hospital and find out which doctors are associated with that hospital. Then I would meet the male doctor if that's who it comes down to. I wouldn't be comfortable with driving an hour.</p> <p>Also, I have always preferred a female OB. I had one throughout my entire pregnancy. Then a male doctor was on call when I was giving birth. And I LOVED him. I was worried about being comfortable (I didn't care/notice) and how understanding/caring he would be. He was amazing, told me how good I was doing during labor and the next morning told me how awesome I was, and I only tore a slight amount with a fairly large baby. So while I may prefer a female doctor again, I probably wouldn't drive an hour. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195133 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 14:04:40 +0000 hellobeeboston 1195133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats!!!</p> <p>I would go with who you feel most comfortable with. If seeing the male doctor is going to bother you, just avoid it.</p> <p>Personally, I chose the hospital I wanted to deliver in first, then picked the OB.. but I did this knowing there was only a 20% chance that she would even deliver me -- and sure enough, she didn't. I wanted to be in the hospital with the great practice and felt I could trust whoever delivered me. My OB was fine, I LOVED her nurse who I felt I interacted with more anyway...</p> <p>My hospital was only 20 minutes away with NO traffic, but probably an hour in traffic - so our backup plan if I was laboring during rush hour was to get a room in the hotel right next to the hospital so that I could be right there -- would that be something to consider? As it was, I went into labor at 4pm, and we went to the hospital at 3am, so smooth sailing, ha.</p> <p>good luck, and congrats again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195130 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 14:04:26 +0000 ShootingStar 1195130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would start with deciding which hospital you want to deliver at, and the find out what practices associate with them. I ended up choosing a nicer hospital but farther away (35 minutes vs. 5 minutes) and sometimes it's just a giant PITA. Every OB appointment I have to drive over there, plus right now I have to do NSTs 2x/week at Labor &amp; Delivery (same building as OB practice). And last week when I had a high blood pressure issue, I had to drive over there as soon as I got home from work. I'm hoping it's all worth it once I deliver, but it is definitely an extra hassle.</p> <p>I'd also think about giving the female OB another chance. OBs are really not all that schooled in helping to get you pregnant, so I'm not surprised she gave you such crappy advice. But she might be great now that you are pregnant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195091 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:56:25 +0000 Fronkinzankinsbride 1195091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My nannied LO was born in another state from where we live. Her ob was about a 1.5 hr drive away, and she drive herself there in labor! We didn't have a nearby hospital when I was born so my moms drive to her doctor was about 45 mins away. But I was a scheduled c section which makes it easier.</p> <p>Honestly a 30 min drive wouldn't bother me. We may actually have about that much of a drive to ours because she is in the suburbs. Find someone you like. That is more important to me. But I wouldn't necessarily discount a male ob, I had one I really liked before I moved here. It's totally fine to meet with several before deciding. Just make sure your insurance covers the additional appointments. I think you can request consultations specific for meet and greet sort of thing.</p> <p>Congratulations! I hope you find someone who works for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1195039 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:40:18 +0000 mlm2934 1195039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: that's about what I've decided to do. I'm going to try to schedule my first appt with the out of town doctor, and tell her upfront I'm trying to figure out where to go </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194987 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:23:21 +0000 2PeasinaPod 1194987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runnerd: It was just nice knowing that I was 10 minutes away from my hospital and doctor should anything go wrong. And yes...when you get towards the end of pregnancy, being close is very nice. I had gestational diabetes and they had me go for non-stress tests twice/week for my last 4 weeks. I couldn't imagine driving 2 hours round trip twice a week for something like that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194960 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:10:56 +0000 LovelyPlum 1194960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Super congrats again!!!</p> <p>I don't think that either option would deter me. I've driven an hour before to see a doctor who I really clicked with, so that doesn't bother me. And, I have a male OB for the first time, and I love him! Like @Espion: said, it's surprisingly not weird. </p> <p>I try to meet each of them and see who you feel more comfortable with, then go with that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194925 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:57:51 +0000 MamaMoose 1194925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runnerd: Since your town is so small, are you comfortable with the hospital the local doc would deliver at? Do they have a NICU? Would you have to be transfered anyway if your pregnancy became high risk? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194907 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:51:32 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1194907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats again!!</p> <p>This is a tough one! My gyne was a man &amp; I really liked him. He didn't deliver, though, so I was referred to a group practice (all women) who I absolutely adore. Both practices are close to 45 minutes from my house (they're in the same hospital!).. That just comes with the territory of living north of the city like us! </p> <p>I wouldn't let either option deter me. I was comfortable seeing a man, and the 45 minute drive didn't scare me off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194885 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:47:04 +0000 wheres_c 1194885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a male ob, and delivered an hour away!<br /> Neither were bad.....so I would just go with whoever you feel is more sensitive to your situation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194869 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:42:08 +0000 jetsa 1194869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats!!</p> <p>I'm the opposite here, Id go with the great dr farther away. I live in a rural area but I drive a 90 mins to my dr and LO's ped. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194864 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:41:29 +0000 bushelandapeck 1194864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats!! I chose the practice over the person, because that was more important to me. I had a male OB with my first and he was great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194859 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:39:47 +0000 autumnlove 1194859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go with the local dr. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194855 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:38:53 +0000 MrsKoala 1194855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would try the male doctor first and see whether he might be a good fit for you. I'm in a rotating type of OBGYN practice and I've seen a male once and really like him. I'd be totally comfortable with him delivering my baby and I used to think I'd never be okay with having a male OBGYN. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194841 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:35:02 +0000 marionberry 1194841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Um first off, super Congratulations!!! Secondly, you have time until your first appointment (usually around 11-12 weeks) so why don't you see if you can set up an appointment with the male doctor just to see if he'd be right for you. If you don't like him then you could consider the other doctor. Perhaps check hospitals you'll deliver in too and see if you like one over the other. That may also help you decide. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194829 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:33:21 +0000 lamariniere 1194829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats! I would go local, no question! If your dr is 1 hr away, it's going to be a 2 hour round trip every time. It would not be very fun to do that when heavily pregnant or if you have any sort of complications. </p> <p>FWIW, my Ob is male and I adore him, he is extremely professional and makes me feel very comfortable (he's also literally in the building next door to our apartment, so no transportation woes there). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194784 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:18:30 +0000 mlm2934 1194784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@char54: thank you!!!!! :) :) I'm still too scared to get super excited </p> <p>@char54: @lilteacherbee: y'all are both right I need to think about the end, not right now when I make this choice </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194773 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:15:05 +0000 lilteacherbee 1194773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go for the male doctor. I used to prefer women doctors, but honestly, it really doesn't matter to me anymore. I'm 38 weeks pregnant and my OB office has 9 doctors and 2 NPs that rotate, so you end up seeing all of them. My 2 favorites are men! My very favorite who I chose to do my c section next week is awesome. </p> <p>At the end, you really won't want to be driving an hour for every appointment....or at least I wouldn't! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-choosing-an-obgyn#post-1194772 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:15:03 +0000 Charm54 1194772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>CONGRATS!!!!!! What awesome news...so happy for you!! </p> <p>I'd go with as local as possible (that you are comfortable with). At the end when you have apts every week and are tired with a big belly you probably won't want to drive an hour if you don't have to. </p> <p>This post made my day!!! </p>