How to Choose a Doctor When Pregnant

Pregnancy is often considered one of the most treasured and most frightening experiences in life. A medical care provider has a considerable impact on the general pregnancy experience, birth experience and the health of the unborn child. No pregnancy is the same and treatment options are fluid. Below are considerations when matching a doctor to your pregnancy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look in the phone book or online local listings for doctors in your area. Online maps can tell you an average of how long it takes to travel to their offices.
2. Consider what kind of patient experience you want. Are you an activist who wants to have considerable control over your medical experiences? Or do you believe that the doctor knows best and would prefer to be told what to do? Some doctors will work with you regarding the decisions you want to make and will talk to you about your options, while others prefer to tell their patients to take the path they consider best without a great deal of discussion.
3. Make an appointment with multiple doctors. This will offer you a chance to meet the doctors without having them treat you.
4. Evaluate your experience. Did the doctor make you and your partner comfortable? If you chose a large practice will you see the same doctor every time? Are the hours convenient for you?
5. Talk to your insurance. Check the expenses on many different fronts. Are phone consultations billed differently? What happens if the birth is past business hours?

Tips & Warnings

• An obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN) is a doctor that specializes in reproduction. They focus on female reproductive organs, fertility, prenatal care, childbirth and recuperation afterward.
• A family practitioner is a doctor that deals with the general health of humans. This doctor does not focus on reproduction, but will often be able to continue to be your doctor as well as your child's well after birth.
• A nurse-midwife is a nurse who specializes in prenatal care, birth and recuperation.
• A maternal-fetal specialist is a doctor who focuses on high-risk pregnancies.
• A nurse-doula is a nurse who focuses on prenatal care, birth and discovery. This person focuses not only on the physical side but takes care of the emotional needs of the family. They will often help an expecting person plan prenatal care and birthing styles with their doctor to ensure the experience is just as they want it to be.