But some savvy moms may instead ask you, Who's your obstetrician going to be?
It's a question that most women don't think about until they've taken a pregnancy test, but it's one of the most important to consider. This doctor (or group of doctors) will be providing care for you and your baby throughout your pregnancy, through your delivery, and beyond.
Some women simply choose their gynecologist, since many are also obstetricians, and they're probably already covered under your health insurance plan. However, it's worth your time to consider these questions before making your decision:
1. What quality of care do you want throughout your pregnancy?
First, think of your overall pregnancy and delivery wishes, concerns, and expectations.
- Choice of doctor. Do you want to use an obstetrician, a certified nurse midwife, or your primary care physician? Some women prefer an obstetrical group with a midwife on staff. (That option is becoming very common in many parts of the country.) Spend time doing some research based on the principles of care you prefer and the type of delivery you would like to have.
- Location. If you want to deliver in a hospital, you'll most likely choose a family physician or obstetrician. If you'd like to explore the option of using a birthing center, take the time to interview a certified nurse midwife. Most CNMs have a degree in midwifery, have extensive clinical experience, and have worked alongside obstetricians for years.
- Hours. Some doctors and obstetrical groups offer extended hours, which is helpful when you don't want to miss work for every appointment (since they'll become more and more frequent the closer you get to your due date), or want options so that you don't have to bring your other kids along. Your partner or labor coach may want to come to your appointments, too, and more flexible hours can help with their schedule.
Think about what a relationship with your provider should be like. Set up interviews with several doctors so that you feel as though you've created a dialogue with them, and then ask yourself:
- What's their bedside manner like? How did you feel about your conversation? Did the doctor listen to your concerns, answer all of your questions, and ask you questions about the care you want to receive? Did the doctor tell you to call anytime you have concerns? Now's the time to get a feel for a doctor's personality and how he or she manages a patient's care during pregnancy and delivery.
- Was the doctor easy to understand? Some providers are skilled at breaking down complex medical information into pieces that are clear and concise. If you leave an appointment with more questions unanswered than when you walked in, simply because you weren't sure what the doctor was saying, then the doctor-patient communication isn't up to the right level. If you're over 35, and additional testing was offered to you, did you realize why the doctor was offering it? Before monitoring a fetal heartbeat, conducting an ultrasound, or measuring your belly, was the procedure fully explained? Does the doctor provide written materials that you can bring home to review?
If you've developed a birth plan, you should let your doctor see it as soon as possible so that you can discuss it. Every doctor and practice is different, and over the last 15 years, women have become armed with much more pregnancy and labor information than ever before.
Maybe you've already had a C-section and would like to attempt a VBAC. But—will your doctor agree? Or, let's say you'd prefer to labor standing up, instead of lying in bed. How does the doctor feel about that? If you have a request that's isn't standard, now is the time to find out if it will be honored.
Picking a provider, regardless of the letters they have behind their name, is a personal choice. You and your baby deserve the very best care! Do your research, take notes, and be sure that you're satisfied with the answers to your questions.
