How to Choose an Obstetrician

Choosing an obstetrician should be undertaken seriously. Unlike your other doctors, your obstetrician has a responsibility for not only your health, but also for the health and welfare of the new life you?re preparing to bring into the world. Consequently, choosing who will handle this responsibility is a decision that requires research, time and patience.

So, how do you choose an obstetrician? First, put together a list of possible candidates. To do this, ask trusted family members, friends and other members of your community what they know about obstetricians in your area. Talk to women you know who have recently given birth. Ask them about their first-hand experience with choosing an obstetrician and listen carefully.

Your family doctor or internist is also a reliable source of recommendations. Since your doctor is already familiar with your medical needs and personality, he or she can likely recommend a suitable obstetrician.

Once you?ve asked around and have a list of obstetricians, how do you choose? Set up a preliminary meeting with each obstetrician. During the meeting take careful note of the doctor?s demeanor and personality. Do they encourage you to ask questions? Do you feel comfortable talking with this person?

While it?s key that your obstetrician?s personality is compatible with you and your partner, it?s not enough to form a sound decision. You?ll need to do some research and ask some tough questions before making an educated decision. It?s key to know things such as:

* How long has the obstetrician been in practice?
* How many babies has he or she delivered?
* Which hospitals is the obstetrician affiliated with?
* Who will deliver your baby if your obstetrician is not available?
* How much time does the obstetrician spend with patients during each visit?
* Under what circumstances, does he or she induce labor?
* What types of tests does he or she rely on during pregnancy?
* Does he or she ask patients to write birth plans?
* Does the obstetrician provide postpartum care and support?
* What percentage of women in his or her practice have medicated births? Episiotomies? Cesarean sections?