It's been nearly a year since I was under the care of Dr. Gabrielle Alexander. I've taken some time…read moreto reflect on this traumatic experience and can now provide you with an objective account of the care I received from her.
Dr. Alexander referred me to a Fetal Medicine Specialist, but she failed to review his notes or ultrasound until my visit with her four weeks later. During my initial visit with the fetal medicine specialist, Dr. Justin Brewer, I was not informed of any abnormalities in my abdominal circumference. However, Dr. Alexander has a responsibility to review the notes and ultrasounds when she refers patients to outside providers.
Dr. Alexander and Dr. Brewer decided that the best course of action was serial ultrasounds. Neither of them ordered a workup to determine the cause of my low abdominal circumference. A workup could have included a panel to rule out nutritional deficiencies, TORCH infections, or genetic abnormalities. When I asked Dr. Alexander and Dr. Brewer if additional workup should be done, both of them replied no. I asked more than once.
My blood pressure was elevated in both my second and third trimesters. When I asked Dr. Alexander about treatment options, she stated that it would mask preeclampsia. However, ACOG strongly advises treating hypertension during pregnancy, even if the mother doesn't have a pre-existing history of hypertension. This is because it reduces the risk of preeclampsia, severe hypertension, stroke, and placental issues. If hypertension is not treated, it can lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, and serious complications for the mother, such as preeclampsia. Tragically, my child was born at 36 weeks, weighed 4 pounds and 14 ounces, and I developed preeclampsia.
It's important to note that treating hypertension during pregnancy doesn't change lab results. All Dr. Alexander had to do was treat my blood pressure and order labs for a preeclampsia workup each visit.
Dr. Alexander failed to perform amniocentesis during my pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology recommends amniocentesis for women over 35 and those with abnormal imaging, such as low abdominal circumference.
When I expressed concern regarding my lack of weight gain, Dr. Alexander assured me it's fine if I only gain 15 lbs. The recommendation is 20-25 lbs.
When I inquired about the possibility of genetic causes, Dr. Alexander replied, "It could be, but we can't treat it as such."
My child was born with multiple abnormalities that should have been detected on ultrasound at either Dr. Alexander's or Dr. Brewer's office. However, none of these abnormalities were discussed with me, except for the abdominal circumference. The abnormalities my son was born with include a cyst in the brain, an abnormal heart variation, hydronephrosis of the kidneys, undescended testicles, clubfoot, and a tether cord. I have decided there must be three possible explanations for Dr. Alexander's failure to disclose these abnormalities: intentional dishonesty, outdated ultrasound equipment, or an inability to read ultrasounds. My child was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease after birth that could have been detected in utero.
I have commercial insurance, so there was no reason for this substandard, third-world-country healthcare. I advocated for myself and was shut down each time.
For your safety and the safety of your unborn child, I recommend avoiding care under Dr. Gabrielle Alexander.
