Dumb pregnancy question

zsazsa-stl

So why are you automatically high risk if you don't see a doctor until 6 months.  Couldn't they just put you through all of the tests at that point and see if you check out or not before they send you to a high risk doc?  Or do they not even want the risk of you going into labor in their office if you are that far along with no care/testing?

hmonkey

i assume it's high risk as a possible legal issue. 

LnR70707

Honestly...I was just wondering that.   I would think some things could be ruled out, BUT they'd need to be ruled out by a high risk doctor (I've seen both an OB and a high risk doc all along) unless you happen to have a really high end OB.   Most OBs won't do, or don't have the training to do, a Level II ultrasound, which is needed to check things like heart and brain abnormalities, issues with the stomach/kidneys, etc.  

My guess is, in that girl's case, it also had a lot to do with the doctor just not wanting to take on the associated risk.

*Barbie*

it's a liability thing - since you haven't had prenatal care to that point, the dr. is afraid of being blamed if there are issues.

I had a bit of a difficult time finding a OB in Houston at 26ish weeks, even WITH my records dating back to first PG appointment at 8weeks.

AuntFlo

it's a liability thing - since you haven't had prenatal care to that point, the dr. is afraid of being blamed if there are issues

That's probably the main reason, but that's so stupid and really makes me angry.  Ethically, you're a doctor - you should help your patient.