Congrats! You’re pregnant! Now it’s time to make your first big parenting decision: finding the right obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN). Choosing an OB/GYN is one of the most important steps toward becoming a parent—after getting pregnant, of course. The key is to find the doctor that makes you feel at ease, is easy to communicate with and is trustworthy to take the best possible care of you and your baby.
What kind of care provider is right for you?
OB/GYNS are the traditional care providers for women who are expecting, but there are other options to consider including a midwife, perinatologist or doula. First, you will want to envision your birth plan and see what kind of provider aligns best with your wishes. Some things to consider are whether you want a hospital or home birth, whether you plan to use pain medication through labor, whether yours is considered a high-risk pregnancy and whether you plan to breastfeed.
Male of female?
Some women have no preference regarding the gender of their OB/GYN, while others have strong feelings one way or the other. I personally preferred a female doctor. I wanted someone who had been through childbirth before, not only as a doctor but as a mother. With my first child, my doctor was on vacation when I went into labor, and a male physician delivered my baby. Although he was very knowledgeable, he was also very direct and did not have the comforting nature I was hoping for as a first-time mother.
Bedside manner
All doctors have different bedside manner. Some women prefer someone who is very personable and talkative, while others prefer someone who is brutally honest and straight to the point. Others might prefer someone who is comforting to help them through the process. The hospital I delivered at had us visit multiple doctors in the final weeks of pregnancy, so if our doctor was out when we went into labor, we would be familiar with the other caregivers. I learned very quickly the type of bedside manner I preferred. You want to feel comfortable asking questions and trust that your doctor will make the right calls regarding your delivery.
Get referrals
Ask your friends and relatives who their doctors are and what their experiences have been. This can give you insight into a doctor’s bedside manner, availability for questions, and communication style. I found asking my friends to be a great starting point for my search. Though you may take referrals from friends and family, keep in mind everyone has her own opinions. One doctor could be great for one person and not for the other, so don’t base your decision solely on someone else’s experience.
Research
The internet makes researching doctors so simple. After a few clicks you can read about different doctors’ education, specialties and their reviews from patients. It’s important to research not only the doctor, but also the hospital you will give birth at. Research which hospitals are closest to you and see whether they will accept your insurance. You can also check whether they have a NICU or that one is close in case of complications. When you have the hospital search narrowed down, schedule a tour to see the facilities first-hand. Look to see whether it’s a place you feel confident will give you and your baby outstanding care.
Meet their support staff
You will be spending the next nine months visiting the doctor’s office, so make sure the nurses and support staff are accommodating and friendly. Oftentimes, you will be communicating with the office staff and nurses to make appointments and leave messages with your questions for the doctor. You will want to make sure they respond in a timely manner and take your requests seriously.
Ask about their on-call schedule
Pregnancy can be very unpredictable, which means you might have questions or go into labor in the middle of the night. It’s important to know how you will be able to get hold of your provider outside of normal working hours. Some providers are committed to delivering the babies of their own patients, while others have no issue with letting the doctor on call that day deliver your baby. It’s important to ask this up front and know what the plan will be if your doctor is not available.
Set up an interview
When you have your choices narrowed down to a couple doctors, set up an interview with them. Take a notebook and make sure to ask the doctor about your birth plan and any specific conditions you might have that could possibly cause complications. A face-to-face meeting with the doctor can be very telling. Did she take the time to listen and answer all your questions, or was she in a rush to get to the next patient? Did he seem receptive to your birth plan? Was he easy to talk to? Was the doctor knowledgeable about your health conditions?
Trust your gut
Your motherly instincts are already kicking in, so use them! The doctor that puts you at ease, takes time to listen to your questions and concerns, and respects your wishes is the right choice. When in doubt, just listen to your gut! And if at any point you feel you’ve made the wrong decision or your doctor does something you don’t agree with, remember that it’s never too late to make a switch.
Which Kind of Provider Is Right for You?
- OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist): A doctor who both delivers babies and treats diseases of the female reproductive organs.
- Perinatologist (maternal-fetal medicine specialist): An OB/GYN who specializes in high-risk pregnancy.
- Midwife: An advanced-practice registered nurse who specializes in women’s reproductive health and childbirth.
- Doula: A nonmedical person who provides physical, emotional and informative support before, during or after childbirth.
Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 9, and Ensley, 2, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
As always, please consult with your health care provider with any questions or concerns.