Switching Hospitals During Pregnancy: What You Need To Know

Changing hospitals during pregnancy can be a stressful decision, but it is sometimes necessary. There are many reasons why someone may need to change hospitals during pregnancy, including insurance changes, feeling uncomfortable with the care received, or the hospital location becoming inconvenient. It is important to trust your doctor and feel comfortable with their approach to labour and delivery. If you are considering changing hospitals, it is best to try to stay on the schedule for recommended visits, especially if you are high-risk. You can request your medical records from your previous hospital, which they are required to provide, and inform them that you are leaving.

Reasons for changing hospitals during pregnancy

Changing hospitals during pregnancy can be necessary for various reasons, and it is important to remember that you are not bound to stay with the same OB-GYN for your entire pregnancy. Doctors are professionals who understand that patients may come and go. Here are some reasons why you may want to change hospitals during pregnancy:

Different Approaches to Pregnancy and Birth:

You may want to switch hospitals if your current hospital does not respect your birth plan or pregnancy wishes. For example, your doctor may advise against your preferred birth plan without providing a clear rationale or engaging in open dialogue. Alternatively, you may wish to try a vaginal birth after a C-section, but your doctor does not support this decision. It is essential to find a hospital that respects your choices and keeps you and your baby's health a priority.

Inconvenience or Inaccessibility:

Changing hospitals may become necessary due to changes in your insurance coverage or your doctor's practice. For instance, your doctor may move to a new office that is farther away, or they may start using a birthing center or hospital that is inconvenient for you. Additionally, if you move to a new city or location, finding a hospital closer to your new residence may be more practical.

Lack of Comfort and Trust:

Feeling comfortable and respected by your healthcare provider is crucial during pregnancy. If you feel that your doctor does not listen to your concerns, questions, or self-care inquiries, it may be time to switch hospitals. Pregnancy is a time when you will have many questions and concerns, and your provider should address them without dismissing them. Additionally, if you feel uncomfortable with the care you are receiving or sense a lack of trust, it is valid to seek a different hospital that better suits your needs.

Outside Factors and Personal Reasons:

Outside factors, such as changes in insurance coverage, may require you to switch hospitals to ensure that your new doctor and the hospital they deliver at are covered by your plan. Personal reasons can also play a role in your decision. For example, you may prefer to have a certified midwife present during delivery, but your current hospital does not accommodate this request.

When to change hospitals during pregnancy

Changing hospitals during pregnancy can be a challenging decision, but it is important to remember that you are the best advocate for yourself and your baby. While switching hospitals earlier in your pregnancy is generally easier, it is still possible to make a change later on. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to change hospitals during pregnancy:

Level of Comfort and Respect

It is crucial to feel comfortable with your healthcare providers and to be respected and honoured during pregnancy. If you feel that your current hospital is not providing you with the level of comfort and respect you deserve, it may be time to consider other options. This could include instances where your concerns are dismissed, or your questions about self-care, prenatal appointments, and delivery are not adequately addressed.

Alignment with Birth Plan

Your birth plan is essential, and if your current hospital is not supportive of your wishes, it may be necessary to explore other alternatives. For example, if you desire a vaginal birth after a C-section, but your hospital is not accommodating of this, you may want to seek a hospital that better aligns with your birth plan.

Location and Convenience

Outside factors, such as a change in insurance coverage, your doctor moving to a new office, or the use of a birthing centre or hospital that is inconvenient, may also prompt a change in hospitals. Additionally, if you relocate to a new city, switching to a hospital closer to your new residence would be more practical.

Availability of Immediate Care

While you can technically switch hospitals at any time during your pregnancy, finding a hospital that can accommodate your delivery immediately may be challenging. Therefore, it is advisable to resolve any issues with your current hospital as soon as possible or consider switching earlier in your pregnancy to ensure continuity of care.

Remember, it is essential to do what is best for you and your baby, and there is no shame in switching hospitals to ensure you receive the care and support you need during this precious time.

Finding a new hospital and doctor

First and foremost, you should consider your insurance coverage and whether your new doctor and hospital are within your provider network. Check with your insurance company to see if the new doctor's office, hospital, or midwife center is covered under your plan. This is especially important if you have a limited pool of doctors to choose from, as some insurance plans may have specific restrictions.

Next, you will want to find a doctor who is available and accepting new patients. This may be easier earlier in your pregnancy, but it is still possible to find a doctor later on. Be transparent about your situation and why you think they would be a good fit for you, and remember to keep any negative comments about your previous doctor to a minimum.

When you have found a new doctor, request your medical records from your previous doctor. You may be able to get them electronically, or you may need to sign for them in person. It is a good idea to bring these records to your first appointment with your new doctor so that they can provide continuous care without any gaps.

Finally, you may want to inform your previous doctor or practice that you are leaving. You are not obligated to give a lengthy explanation, and you can simply inform the front desk staff if you prefer. However, it may be beneficial to provide honest feedback so that they are aware of any concerns or issues that led to your departure.

Accessing your medical records

Understanding Your Maternity Records:

Maternity records are kept throughout your pregnancy and birth and can be either paper ("handheld records") or electronic ("digital care records"). These records should be written in a way that is understandable to you, although notes from labour may contain technical jargon. You can request clarification from a health professional if needed, and some hospitals offer a "Birth Afterthoughts" or "Birth Reflections" service for this purpose. Your midwife will update your maternity notes at each appointment, so remember to bring them with you.

Online Patient Portals:

Many healthcare systems provide patients with access to their medical records through online patient portals. Check with your healthcare provider to see if this option is available to you and request access if necessary.

Making a Formal Request:

You have the right to make a formal request to see your medical records, known as a "subject access request." This can be done in writing and sent to the NHS Trust's medical records manager for maternity records. You can find the appropriate address on the website of your local NHS Trust or Board. Your request must be processed within 40 days, and you may be charged a fee depending on the availability of electronic records.

Requesting Child's Medical Records:

As a parent or guardian, you have the right to access your child's medical records. Contact your healthcare provider and fill out any necessary release forms to receive a copy. According to the HIPAA Privacy Rule, your request cannot be denied due to unpaid medical bills, and the doctor typically has up to 30 days to provide the records.

Involving an Attorney:

If you suspect any issues with your care or your child's care, you can seek legal assistance. An attorney can help you review your medical records and determine if any further action is needed.

It is important to stay informed about your health and that of your child during pregnancy and after birth. Keep in mind that you have the right to access your medical records and can utilise the methods mentioned above to do so.

Telling your old doctor you're leaving

Changing doctors during pregnancy can be a challenging decision, but it is important to prioritise finding a healthcare provider who respects and honours your wishes. If you have decided to switch doctors, here are some steps to consider when informing your old doctor that you are leaving:

Reflect on the Reasons for Leaving:

Before informing your old doctor, take time to reflect on the reasons behind your decision. Are there specific concerns or issues that led to your decision to switch doctors? Identifying these reasons can help you effectively communicate your decision and provide constructive feedback.

Choose an Appropriate Method of Communication:

Depending on your relationship with your doctor and your personal preferences, you may choose to inform them in person, over the phone, or through an email or letter. If you have a history with your doctor and believe they would benefit from understanding your reasons, a more personal approach may be appropriate. However, if the relationship has deteriorated, you may opt for a more distant method of communication.

Be Honest, Specific, and Polite:

When conveying your decision to leave, strive to be honest and specific about your reasons. Express your concerns clearly and politely. This feedback can help your doctor understand your perspective and potentially improve their practice. Remember, you are not obligated to provide an explanation, but doing so can contribute to positive change.

Thank Them and Request Medical Records:

Before concluding your communication, remember to thank your doctor for their time and services. Additionally, don't forget to request your medical records, which you can provide to your new doctor to ensure continuity of care. You can authorise your new provider to request these records on your behalf by signing a release form.

Stay on Track with Prenatal Care:

Changing doctors during pregnancy can disrupt your prenatal care schedule, so it's important to try to stay on track with recommended visits, especially if you are high-risk. If you are low-risk, missing or delaying one visit while transitioning may be acceptable.

Remember, the decision to switch doctors is ultimately about finding a healthcare provider who respects your wishes and ensures your comfort and well-being. Informing your old doctor that you are leaving can be challenging, but by following these steps, you can effectively communicate your decision and focus on receiving the best care for you and your baby.

Frequently asked questions