You can choose either a doctor (physician) or midwife to take care of you during your pregnancy and to deliver your baby.
- An obstetrician (OB) is a doctor who specializes in the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth and recuperation from delivery. About 8 in 10 pregnant women choose obstetricians.
- A family practice doctor is a doctor with training in all aspects of health care for every member of the family. A family practice doctor can be your health care provider before, during and after your pregnancy, and your baby's doctor, too.
- A certified nurse-midwife is a registered nurse with advanced, specialized training and experience in taking care of pregnant women and delivering babies. Certified nurse-midwives are licensed to provide care before, during and after delivery.
- A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is an obstetrician with special training in the care of women who have high-risk pregnancies. If you have risk factors that could complicate your pregnancy, your prenatal care provider may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
What You Can Do
Choose a health care provider who makes you feel comfortable and who listens to you. Questions you may want to consider include:
- Does the provider have a good reputation?
- Does the provider listen to you and take the time to explain things clearly and thoroughly?
- Are you comfortable with the gender and age of the provider?
- Does the provider make your partner feel comfortable, too?
- Is the office staff pleasant and respectful?
- Is the location of the office convenient? Do the hours fit your schedule?
- What hospital is the provider affiliated with? Does the hospital have a good reputation? Is its location convenient?
- Is the provider in a solo, group or collaborative practice?
- Will you always be seen by the same provider during your office appointments?
- Who covers for the provider when he or she is unavailable?
- Who handles phone calls during office hours? Does the provider charge for phone consultations? How are calls and emergencies handled after hours?
- Does your insurance cover this health care provider?
February 2008
