Congratulations! You’re pregnant!
Long before you start picking out a name, planning a nursery theme or setting up a baby registry, you have an important initial decision to make: choosing a health care professional to partner with you throughout your pregnancy and delivery. Bringing a child into the world is no small task, so it’s to your benefit to find a doctor and hospital system that are a good fit for both you and your baby. Here are five things to consider when choosing an obstetrician.
1. Check your insurance coverage.
Oftentimes, pregnant women are encouraged to first ask friends and family for recommendations on where they delivered and which doctors they love. But there’s nothing more disappointing than finding a doctor with stellar reviews only to discover he (or the hospital he practices at) is not in-network with your insurance coverage. By staying in-network, patients can expect to receive quality care at a lower price; likewise, going out-of-network comes at a cost. So, first things first! Brush up on your benefit policies and ask your insurance company about any of the coverage doesn’t make sense. By understanding what is covered and what’s not, you’ll not only limit the field of doctors and hospitals to consider, but you’ll also be able to determine how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
2. Take your health history into account.
Generally, staying in-network is preferred but there are a few exceptions. For instance, if you have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or have had high-risk or complicated pregnancies in the past, it might be in your best interest to seek a higher level of care than your insurance provides. If you find yourself in this boat, don’t rule out working with your insurance provider to consider an exception. After all, insurance companies may be convinced that authorizing an out-of-network provider is in everyone’s best interest because a healthy mom and baby ultimately equate to lower costs to the insurance company.
3. Choose where you want to have your baby.
When it comes to real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. When it comes to having a baby, location is also a factor to consider. How far are you willing to drive for prenatal appointments? Would you prefer to have Baby at a freestanding birth center, at home or at a hospital with a high level neonatal intensive care unit? If a hospital birth is for you, consider substance over style. Many hospital birthing centers now offer swanky delivery suites and spa-like services like massages and pedicures. Don’t choose a hospital exclusively on staged photos and elective amenities. After all, with a healthy vaginal birth, you’ll only be admitted for a couple of days and with a c-section, only one or two more. What you will want to know are things like:
1) What level NICU is onsite?
2) What kind of prenatal education classes are offered?
3) What postnatal and lactation support is provided after delivery?
4. Start doing your OB/GYN homework.
You know what your insurance covers, you’ve factored in any potential unique health care concerns for you and your baby and you know where you want to deliver your baby. Phew! Now it’s time to start finding the health care professional that’s right for you.
Look at the list of practicing physicians onsite and compare them to those who are in-network with your insurance. Online patient reviews can be helpful, but many prefer personal recommendations from family, friends and coworkers at this point. This is also a great time to ask your family practice doctor and gynecologist for their recommendations, as well. The process of finding “the one” can feel a bit like signing up for a dating service but, silly as it may seem, it’s important that you treat it with the same amount of respect and care. Consider what your deal breakers are, such as gender, track record or off-hours accessibility. And don’t forget to use your online super-sleuthing skills to whittle down the hunt, checking each obstetrician’s website for a list of credentials, philosophy and approach to care, as well as testimonials. Doctor review sites such as Vitals, Health Grades and Share Care can give you a good sense of what a doctor’s bedside manner is before meeting in person.
During your initial consultation, follow the counsel of Dr. Jill Sampson, Northland Women's Health Care, who says communication is important and women should look for an OB/GYN they are comfortable talking to on a wide range of topics. Sampson highlights the importance of discussing the doctor's experience with different conditions and procedures, along with how he or she manages pain during delivery. Although you have no guarantees on what labor and delivery will bring, asking a doctor about his approach can give you a better sense of what he would do in any given situation.
5. Go with your gut.
You’ve done your homework, you’ve asked around. Now, follow your gut on the final decision. The partnership between doctor and patient is an important one, relying heavily on trust and mutual respect. Do you feel comfortable asking questions? Do you feel truly heard? If you do, congratulations! However, if something feels off early on, have a candid conversation with your doctor. If it’s obvious you can’t work through your differences, it may be in your best interest to find someone else. If this is the case, make the change sooner rather than later. Many doctors do not accept new patients who are in their final trimester.
Of all the decisions you make throughout pregnancy, choosing an obstetrician is among the most important. Be selective when finding the right one so that when the time comes, you can rest assured you and your baby are in the most capable hands.
Lauren Greenlee is a freelance writer and a mom of three from Olathe who had labor and delivery experiences that were as unique and varied as the children that came with them: one traditional birthing experience at a local hospital system, one home birth with a certified nurse midwife team and one natural delivery at a freestanding birthing center.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.