How to Pick an Ob-Gyn When Pregnant
For first-time parents and experienced parents alike, pregnancy is a time of many options!
Choosing a crib or a wardrobe are examples of minor decisions. Choices like where to have your child cared for during the day and what to call your child are much more substantial. However, selecting a provider for prenatal care is a crucial choice.
The trusted doctors will be there for you from the first prenatal visit through the first few weeks after giving birth. While midwives are an option for prenatal care, many women prefer seeing an OB-GYN.
Who are Obstetricians and Gynecologists?
You may already be aware that an OB-GYN is a specialist in women’s health. More precisely, a gynecologist is a medical doctor who cares for pregnant women and women of childbearing age.
Annual exams, STI screenings, breast exams, heavy periods, birth control, and any gynecologic concern can all be handled by an OB-GYN or obstetrician-gynecologist.
The OB part of the name refers to the specialization in caring for pregnant women.
Obstetrics is the medical subspecialty concerned with providing women with care and guidance during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Every aspect of pregnancy, both ordinary and extraordinary, is within the purview of an OB-expertise. GYNs Additionally, OB-GYNs perform both vaginal and surgical births.
Selecting the Best an OB-GYN on Your Pregnancy Journey
Finding the right doctor requires considering several factors, including proximity, credentials, and rapport. Whether you see an obstetrician or a midwife, you will work with a trained expert committed to giving you the best care possible. It’s all a matter of finding the right fit.
However, the following considerations should be made as you look for an OB-GYN:
- Try to Find an OB-GYN Who Has Been Certified by the Appropriate Boards.
You should feel comfortable with your OB-GYN’s training, expertise, and experience. When you refer to OB-GYNs as board-certified, it means that they have succeeded in the problematic tests given by medical experts. As a result of their hard work and dedication, they have been recognized for their skills and knowledge with this certification.
- Verify the Percentage of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on the Labor and Delivery Staff.
A baby will typically arrive when it’s ready unless you’ve arranged for a C-section with your OB/GYN. That could mean another OB-GYN on your doctor’s team will be present to help with the delivery. Knowing the size of your doctor’s group and the individuals who make up that team can prepare you for what’s to come.
- Prepare For the Care You’ll Need For Your Newborn by Thinking About the Options You’ll Have.
It’s not necessary for your care with an OB-GYN to end once you’ve had your baby. OB-GYNs can help you maintain your health throughout your life, not just during pregnancy and after giving birth.
It’s ideal if you already know and trust an OB-GYN or clinic specializing in women’s health issues. You can typically continue to receive care from the same medical team. However, you should consider what qualities are most significant to you if you need a new doctor.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider Immediately.
The worst unexpected expense is a medical bill that is entirely unexpected. Before selecting any other medical provider, call your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment to find out what services are covered.
How Frequent Should You Visit an OB-GYN
There are some clinics where you will see the same doctor for all or most of your prenatal appointments. That way, you can get to know your doctor personally.
The bad news is that you will have to reschedule if your doctor is called in to deliver a baby during your scheduled prenatal appointment. All practices may not cover deliveries while patients are seen in the office.
You might be able to schedule an appointment with a nurse practitioner or another doctor if your regular gynecologist isn’t available. Given that any of the ob-gyns in practice could be the ones to deliver your baby, getting to know them all might be a good idea. But if you can’t, don’t fret; your obstetrician or midwife will learn all about you on the big day!
How Likely Is It That the Gynecologist Will Deliver the Baby
You may be happier with a smaller practice if having a familiar doctor deliver your baby is very important to you. That way, during your prenatal visits, you can meet everyone and tell them precisely what you want and need.
It may not be feasible or worthwhile to schedule appointments with all the doctors in an extensive practice. It would help if you still inquired with your provider whether the doctors in practice have similar approaches to patient care.
Even though it’s becoming less common, there may still be some doctors who insist on delivering every baby they’re entrusted with. It may reassure you, but remember that your provider is busy caring for many other people and has a life outside work. When in labor, it’s essential to know what will happen if your doctor is attending to other patients, gets sick, or is on vacation.
Regardless, once you’ve been admitted to the hospital in labor, you’ll likely be looked after by the hospital’s on-call doctor or midwife in labor and delivery until you’re ready to start pushing. Once that time comes, the doctor will come in to deliver the baby.
During your work, the hospital staff will constantly contact your covering obstetrician. It ensures that if there are any complications, your doctor can arrive at the hospital promptly to address them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the ideal OB-GYN for your pregnancy is more than just a choice—it’s a crucial step in ensuring a healthy and fulfilling prenatal journey for both you and your baby.
This process involves careful consideration of several factors, including the provider’s board certification, the dynamics of their practice team, preparation for post-birth care, and understanding your insurance coverage.
Building a meaningful relationship with your OB-GYN or midwife can greatly enhance your experience, offering you support and comprehensive information throughout your pregnancy. It’s vital to choose a healthcare provider whose approach to care resonates with your personal expectations and needs, particularly when it comes to the delivery of your baby.
As you ponder these considerations, why not explore how OB2me can assist you in this important phase? Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of prenatal care, ensuring you feel confident and well-cared for from your first prenatal visit to the moment you meet your newborn.
Contact OB2me today to discover how we can contribute to your success in achieving a joyful and healthy pregnancy experience. With the right support system, you can look forward to a rewarding journey culminating in the incredible moment when you hold your baby for the first time.
FAQs
How do I know if an OB-GYN is right for me?
Look for board certification, experience, and whether their approach aligns with your expectations. Schedule a consultation to discuss their philosophy on pregnancy and childbirth, and see if you feel comfortable and supported.
What should I consider when choosing an OB-GYN?
Consider the doctor’s credentials, proximity to your home, the size and dynamics of their practice, and the policies on prenatal visits and delivery. It’s also essential to verify what your insurance covers.
Can I switch to a different OB-GYN during my pregnancy?
Yes, you can switch OB-GYNs if you feel your current provider is not meeting your needs. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident in your prenatal care.
How often will I see my OB-GYN during pregnancy?
The frequency of visits typically increases as the pregnancy progresses. Initially, you might see your OB-GYN once a month, moving to bi-weekly and then weekly visits as you approach your due date.
What happens if my OB-GYN is not available when I go into labor?
If your primary OB-GYN is unavailable, another doctor in the practice or the hospital’s on-call doctor will deliver your baby. It’s a good idea to get to know the other doctors in the practice during your prenatal visits.