8 Tips for Choosing the Best Obstetrician for Your Pregnancy

By Admin,

When you discover you have a baby on the way, the first thing you need to do is find a good obstetrician. This is an important decision you shouldn’t take lightly.

It’s easy to think you need to decide on a doctor right away. However, the last thing you want to do is choose the first person you find online.

Remember, this doctor will be with you throughout your pregnancy. There’s also a good chance they’ll be the one delivering your baby.

To help you make the right decision, we’re going over eight tips for choosing the best obstetrician in your area.

1. Check Your Insurance Policy 

Having a baby is expensive. You’ll need to make sure the doctor you work with accepts your insurance.

Your policy should have a list of in-network doctors, including OB/GYNs. If you’re having trouble finding this list, call your insurance provider as ask for it.

There’s always a chance a doctor who’s not in your network still accepts your insurance. Their office should be able to tell you if they do or not.

It’s also important the hospital where you choose to deliver your baby accepts your insurance. Don’t make the mistake of going with an out-of-network facility. You’ll regret it when the bill comes.

2. Seek Referrals 

If you have friends you’ve had babies, ask them who their doctor was and whether they were happy with the experience. A personal referral instills trust that you’re getting good care during your pregnancy.

When seeking referrals, ask about the doctor’s communication skills, bedside manner, and professionalism. Try to get a firsthand account of how the doctor conducts visits. You should also inquire about their morals and principles.

If you can’t find a personal referral, ask your general physician for one. Doctors have a tightly-knit network of contacts and can point you in the right direction.

3. Consider Your Health 

You need to work with a doctor who has the experience and resources necessary to provide the care you’re looking for. You must consider your health when making a decision.

If you have a preexisting health condition or are older, your pregnancy may be considered high-risk. You’ll need a doctor who has the knowledge and experience to handle this.

Doctors who specialize in high-risk pregnancies often work with other professionals such as neonatologists. They also have the right resources, equipment, and facilities for more sensitive pregnancies.

Even if you choose an obstetrician and then discover you’re high-risk, you should consider switching to a doctor more suitable to your situation.

4. Do Some Research 

When choosing any type of medical professional, you need to do some research. You should learn as much as you can about a doctor’s background before you start working with them.

Look into things like board certification, education, and training. Most doctors provide this information on their website.

You should research whether a doctor has any medical malpractice claims against them. If they do, something will come up online about it. You’ll just need to do a little digging.

It’s also beneficial to understand what services a doctor offers. For a great example of an OB/GYN group that provides a wide range of services and information, visit this website and try to find organizations like this.

5. Experience Matters 

The doctor handling your pregnancy must have plenty of experience. They should also have the right kind of experience.

Pay attention to what a doctor’s focused their practice on and for how long. For example, some doctors practice gynecology for many years then get into obstetrics.

Experience is especially important if you have a high-risk pregnancy. You’ll want to find someone with years of experience treating patients in the same situation as you.

If you’re having trouble finding this information, don’t be afraid to ask. A doctor should be upfront with you and provide a full rundown of their experience.

6. Consider What Qualities You Want 

You’ll need to think about what specific qualities you want out of an obstetrician. This is a very personal experience, so you need to work with someone you agree with and relate to.

Look for someone who shares the same values as you concerning childbirth. For example, if you plan to use unconventional methods such as hypnobirthing or home birth, you need a doctor who supports those decisions.

You should also consider whether you want a male or female doctor. This could have a huge impact on trust and the communication process.

If you’re feeling nervous about these issues, try to schedule a short interview with the doctor you’re considering.

7. Read Online Reviews 

Checking out online reviews is a great way to find out if a doctor is right for you. You’ll get insight into their professional conduct and bedside manner.

Finding doctor reviews is pretty easy now. All you need to do is search their name and you should find plenty of reviews from current and prior patients.

When reading reviews, it’s important to remember that doctors can’t please everyone. There’s bound to be at least one complaint about any obstetrician.

However, if you see many poor reviews or the same complaint over and over, you need to move on to the next doctor.

8. Think About Their Hospital Affiliation 

Many OB/GYNs are affiliated with a specific hospital. This means they’ll want you to give birth there.

If this is the case, make sure the hospital has a good reputation as a birthing center. You should be able to find reviews that provide some insight.

Keep in mind that when you give birth, you’ll receive care from many different people. You need to know they have the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through your birth and recovery.

Find the Perfect Obstetrician for You and Your Child 

Giving birth is one of the most joyous experiences a woman can have. Ensure the process goes exactly as you want by finding the best obstetrician in your area.

Use the tips discussed above and start the search for your new doctor today.

We hope you’ve found this article helpful. Please feel free to browse the rest of our site for useful information every mother needs.