Dr. Laura Marie Petty, MD

I used Dr. Petty for most of my pregnancy. I had heard good things and the first appointment went well. I had moved here from Arkansas and so I didn’t see her until I was 14 weeks. Some things I have liked is that she is nice and explains things well. She seems knowledgeable and usually explains things about the next visit. However, she doesn’t ask for consent which is important to me. I want to be an active part in my care and I want to work with my care team. I don’t like to feel as if I get no say, and that I give up bodily autonomy for her to do her work. She will explain why she wants to do things or simply say we are going to do something. I also feel VERY rushed. After checking my fundal height she inches towards the door. I try and ask questions or bring up concerns and I feel like a burden. I don’t want to feel like that when I’m giving birth. I know people say that it’s good to not spend much time with your doctor, but I disagree. My previous doctor would talk to me for an… hour and I was only 12 weeks. I like to be comfortable and feel like I can communicate concerns and make choices with them. I don’t hold anything against Dr. Petty. I know she is busy, and I know that doctors don’t expect their patients to want to be as involved in their care choices as I am. I made the decision to switch providers at 34 weeks and I hope that I find the right fit.