I changed OB's at around the 9 week mark from memory, because I didn't like the bedside manner of the one I was originally referred to and his fees were ridiculous... But, I did find it hard getting in with another one. A lot of them are fully booked by that stage. We got a list from the hospital we wanted to go to and then rang around until we found someone who could take us on. But before I could see him I had to get my GP to give me a new referral too. So I guess, if it is something you want to do, in my experience you need to act fast.

The first thing I would do is call the OB you have in mind, or others who deliver at the hospital you want (you might be able to get a list from their website, or call them and they should be able to give you one) and find out if they can take you on. Once you have someone who can take you on, call your GP and get them to fax a new referral through to that OB.

Don't worry about what your current OB thinks, but I also wouldn't tell them you're thinking of changing until you're actually booked in with someone else. Then just say it was all about the practicality of getting to appointments and the vicinity of the hospital.

FWIW I am so glad that we did change. We ended up going with a guy who delivered a friends baby and he was fantastic! We also went to a hospital that was much closer to home and far nicer in my opinion. So it was well worth it. HTH