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When you become pregnant, you want only the best healthcare for you and your baby. That’s why choosing the right obstetrician – someone you feel comfortable and confident with, who also has the experience and medical expertise you’re looking for – is so important.
Here are five key questions you should ask when vetting a prospective obstetrician:
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How long have you been an OB/GYN, and how many babies have you delivered?
Your number-one concern in choosing an obstetrician is whether the doctor is experienced, especially if you are in a high-risk category – such as having other medical conditions, a history of difficult pregnancies, or being over the age of 35. Ask the OB/GYN how many years they have been providing obstetrics care, and how many babies they have delivered.
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Will I be seeing you whenever I come in for an appointment?
Many obstetricians are part of a large-group practice with a rotating coverage system. If that’s the case, you might end up seeing a different physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant at various appointments. In fact, you may see one doctor for your prenatal visits and another when your baby is born.
Naturally, you’ll want to know who will be seeing you throughout your pregnancy so there are no surprises. Ask who you can contact if you have questions or if you need to speak with someone after office hours. Ask if there is a special phone line for their patients where you can leave a question if no one is available, and ask whether you can expect a prompt call-back.
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If I have a particular birth plan preference, can you accommodate it?
You might have certain requests for the birth of your baby, such as having a doula or midwife as part of your delivery team, or giving birth in a certain position or at a preferred location. Talk with the obstetrician about what you want the birthing experience to be like, and find out whether your wishes are possible.
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Under what circumstances do you perform C-sections?
Even if you are planning on having a vaginal birth, complications may arise in which a caesarean section may be necessary. It is certainly a prospect for high-risk pregnancies – such as when giving birth to twins or when a pregnancy is complicated by pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and damage to an organ system).
The doctor should be able to advise you on measures to help avoid a C-section, and when resorting to this method is the safest option for the health of you and/or your baby.
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What is your medical opinion about the use of pain medication during labor?
Whether or not you are planning to have natural childbirth, you want to be in agreement with your OB/GYN about whether or not to use an epidural during your delivery. Both doctors and patients can have strong opinions about this matter, so make sure that your wishes will be implemented as thoroughly as possible.
Obstetrician in Wooster, Ohio
The obstetrics unit at Wooster Community Hospital, in the Women’s Pavilion, offers exceptional, personalized maternity care for women – where our focus is on families. The Women’s Pavilion features large, contemporary, private birthing suites, breastfeeding support services, childbirth education classes, and facility tours.
Not only are our obstetricians board-certified with extensive experience, but they are also compassionate caregivers who can answer all your questions and guide you through your pregnancy to a healthy and happy delivery.
To learn more about our comprehensive maternity care for women, or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (330) 263-8144 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your go-to place for healthcare!
