Whether you are already pregnant or planning to become pregnant, finding a good OB-GYN is one of the first and most important steps a new mom can take. If you have a bad experience with your doctor, it can lead to an unhappy pregnancy — and no one wants that! You probably already have a gynecologist for your yearly pap smear or birth control needs. But when it comes to your baby, you don’t always have to stick with this doctor. You may want to get a new OB-GYN or find a midwife instead. Whatever you choose to do, there are several things to look out for when selecting an OB-GYN.
5 Things To Consider When Choosing an OB-GYN
Here are five factors to consider when choosing your OB-GYN for your pregnancy:
1. Their Numbers
Most OB-GYNs should be able to tell you their success rates: how many C-sections they have performed and how many healthy babies they have delivered during their years of practice. You should also ask about their C-section rate. While many things that occur during pregnancy and birth are out of a doctor’s control, these statistics should help guide you, especially if you’re choosing between two different doctors. If you have a medical condition that may affect your pregnancy, ask if they have any experience with women in similar situations. If they don’t, it may be best to choose an OB-GYN who does to avoid any potential complications.
2. A Personality Fit
Credentials are important, but so is whether you like the doctor! All doctors are different and handle situations differently — like every patient. If you are looking for someone warm, gentle, and caring, you may consider going with a midwife. If you are straight to the point and want a doctor focused solely on your care, a mainstream OB-GYN is probably your best fit. Either way, make sure you meet with the doctor before you make a final decision. You will be spending a lot of time with them during your pregnancy, so it’s essential that you like their company.
3. Their Availability
We’ve all been there: you call your doctor’s office to make an appointment and are told they have no availability until six months from now. This is super frustrating in general, but it can be a big problem for pregnant women. When you’re choosing an OB-GYN, ask them about their availability. Is it hard to make an appointment? How easily can you contact them if you have an issue or even a simple question about your pregnancy? You want to feel that you can contact them anytime and for any reason. So, be sure this is possible before making a decision.
4. The Hospital They Attend
Are you set on a particular hospital in your area to deliver your baby? Make sure your doctor delivers there. Most doctors only deliver at one hospital, so if you choose them, that automatically becomes your hospital to give birth. If the hospital is a big concern for you, consider taking a tour of the birthing centers in your town. When you find the one you like the best, ask for a list of the doctors who deliver there and choose your OB-GYN that way.
Alternatively, some women may want to have a home birth. If this is your case, ensure that your OB-GYN, midwife, or doula is aware of this and that they’re available to be there.
5. What Others Say
During pregnancy, you will hear a lot of unsolicited advice from new mothers, older mothers, people who aren’t mothers, etc. Most of it you can push to the side, but you should listen when it comes to your OB-GYN. Read reviews online, and ask around your area to see which doctors other people go to and learn about their experiences. Through someone’s personal account, you may find a red flag for an OB-GYN you are strongly considering. Or you may hear great things about one at the bottom of your list! Be open to everyone’s opinions, but remember it is your choice.
It’s worth taking the time to research and evaluate potential candidates when choosing an OB-GYN. After all, they are involved in significant components of your pregnancy, from monitoring your and your baby’s health to delivering the baby.1 At the end of the day, you should choose a professional you trust and feel comfortable with.
