One of the most critical decisions you have to make during your pregnancy is choosing the right doctor. Most women do not want to address this area citing various reasons but it isn’t as difficult a task as it seems. Finding a doctor who matches your needs can lead to an easy pregnancy and successful childbirth.
So how do you actually go about choosing a doctor that’s right for you? Here’s how:
Getting recommendations from friends and relatives about their doctors is the best way to make a choice. Talk to new mothers about their doctors at the best children hospitals in your city to get a first-hand account of their experience with him/her. Most doctors get recommended to their patients through word-of-mouth. Friends who have had babies are reliable sources in this search. Was the doctor easy or difficult to interact with? Did they get along well with the doctor? What are his qualifications/credentials? While such questions can be decent pointers, remember that your needs will be different from your friends’.
OB/GYN or Family Physician?
You will also have to decide if you want to engage a family physician or an OB/GYN (Obstetrics/Gynaecology). While both mentioned above are physicians, their scope of work is quite different. For example, family physicians take care of an entire gamut of problems while catering to tiny tots and senior citizens alike. They are capable of managing uncomplicated pregnancies but also know when to collaborate with an OB. If they face certain complications beyond their purview they could consult an OB. The OB may then take over the patient’s care for the rest of the pregnancy timeline.
An OB/GYN is a specialist and can address health and obstetric conditions with ease. He/she can be the best professional to place your trust in, especially if there is a chance of a high-risk pregnancy. Since an OB/GYN focusses only on pregnancy and female health, he has gained a huge amount of experience in this area. Managing pregnancies and delivering babies is second nature to him and is at ease in the most critical situations.
Visit the clinic/hospital at least once
Take a trip to the clinic or hospital where your doctor is attached to. This will help you to get a first-hand feel of the place where you will be spending some important moments of your life. Speak to nurses and hospital staff if possible, about the doctor’s credentials and reputation. The hospital is the best place to find out if your doctor has any complaints against him by former patients. A cursory online check can also help you to understand the doctor’s background.
Schedule a counseling session
This is a great way to start an association with your doctor and understand each other’s needs. A counseling session before pregnancy or in its early stages allows the doctor to check for any medical problem you may have. The doctor will be able to discuss your options for pregnancy in detail when you meet him. He will need to determine if you are a high-risk patient and plan his strategy accordingly.
While pregnancy and childbirth can be a beautiful and exciting time for you, it can lead to stress too. Choose a doctor who you feel comfortable with and who allows an easy flow of communication. This way you can vent your concerns without feeling awkward.
