Finding an obstetrician can be difficult, especially if you aren’t sure what services are available. Before you choose an obstetrician and make your first appointment, call prospective obstetrician offices in your area and ask some basic questions.
How long have you been in practice?
Knowing how long they’ve been working as an obstetrician is vitally important. An obstetrician that has had a number of years of practice will have more experience than a rookie doctor. This is important, especially in the case that a complication arises during pregnancy or child birth. If you happen to have a complication the obstetrician can’t handle, ask who the back-up obstetrician is.
At what hospitals do you have privileges?
Find out where you are going to be delivering, and if you have options with an obstetrician. If a doctor has the privileges at various hospitals, you have the option. Check out the maternity wards at each one, and if the hospitals offer reviews on experiences of the patients to help you decide where you’ll get the best care, check them out as well.
Who will see me/deliver for me if you’re not in the office?
If the obstetrician isn’t in group practice, make sure there is another obstetrician who can be there to deliver for you if they are out of town, sick or away from the office around the time you are due.
How much time do you take for prenatal visits?
Especially if this is your first child, you’ll have a lot of questions. An obstetrician that takes the amount of time a patient needs is a doctor that cares for the well-being of his patients. Be aware that doctors’ offices that are on patients’ time may have a longer wait in the waiting room, but remember you’d want the same amount of time and consideration.
When will you meet me at the hospital for delivery? How long will you stay?
Some doctors can be very busy, especially during the day with other patients. Just because an obstetrician can’t be there to check you in, his intention isn’t to make you feel alienated. Just make sure he will be there in plenty of time to make for a smooth delivery. Cross out any doctor who won’t stay long enough to deliver the placenta.
What are the routine medical procedures?
Many hospitals have routine procedures such as IV pitocin to help move labor along, breaking the mother's water and episiotomies during vaginal delivery. All doctors have reasons for performing these procedures. An episiotomy, although not used as often as they once were, are sometimes still warranted in cases such as extensive tears, abnormal baby positions and for a quick delivery. In most cases you can refuse these procedures barring that your baby isn't in any danger, but finding a doctor who is comfortable with you helping with those decisions is very important.
What freedom do I have during labor?
Some hospitals don’t want the liability of letting you walk around and potentially hurt yourself or your baby. As ridiculous as it might sound, some hospitals require you to stay in bed the whole time or have a nurse hold your hand. If you want the freedom to walk around, eat or drink during labor, knowing this ahead of time will save quite a bit of disappointment.
What are your options and procedures for pain relief?
Knowing how you’re going to handle the pain before you actually feel the pain is quite impossible. Always leave room for the idea that you might need pain medication at any point during labor and delivery. Find out what pain management and relief options are available at your discretion, and if you choose to have a fully unmedicated birth, make sure your doctor and place of delivery are supportive of your decision.
How long is the average stay after delivery?
Some hospitals only require a stay as long as 24 hours after delivery to monitor you and your newborn, while others require you to stay until the newborn screening at 72 hours (That’s a 3-day hospital stay!). If you want the option of going home as soon as possible to bond with your baby, find a hospital with lenient stay requirements.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional.
Resources:
The American Pregnancy Association
Emily Sutherlin - Emily has been writing on a variety of topics since 2007. She uses only the most credible sources to bring information to her readers.
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