Is it vital to choose the best possible healthcare provider for your prenatal care. Your obstetrician should align with your choices and beliefs and be your main supporter during your pregnancy journey. If you lack communication or trust with your doctor it can affect your pregnancy and make it difficult as opposed to a memorable exciting time. Don't hesitate to see a few obstetricians before choosing one, you do not need to stick with the first one you visit. Your first prenatal visit is not usually needed until the 10th week of pregnancy which gives you some time to test out potential caregivers. There are some key points and questions to consider when choosing your doctor. Here are some helpful things to guide you through this important decision:

Key Points to Consider

         Location of the doctor’s office
         Hours of operation
         Patient load
         Average waiting time per patient
         Availability of emergency appointments
         Walk-in policies

Questions to Ask the Doctor

         Where do you have hospital privileges?
         Who takes calls after hours?
         Can I contact you directly?
         How do you feel about circumcision?
         What percentage of patients have C-sections?
         What percentage of patients are induced?
         Do you believe in planned C-sections?
         Do you support immediate skin contact after birth?
         What is your rate of episiotomies and when do you perform one?
         Do you support breech birth?
         Do you have strong feelings about bottle-feeding versus breastfeeding?
         What insurance do you accept?
         Will you attend a birth after hours?
         Who is the back-up physician in case you are unavailable?
         Will I meet the back-up physician?
         Do you believe in trying VBAC births?
         Is there an in-office ultrasound available?
         How many doctors are in the practice?
         Will I see more than one doctor?
         When do you believe solid foods or milk should be introduced?
         How do you feel about pain relief during birth?

Questions to Ask Yourself

         How do I feel about the doctor?
         Do we agree on important choices regarding care?
         Does he/she have hospital privileges at my local hospital?
         Did the doctor listen when I spoke?

Be sure to print this checklist and consider all questions before coming to a decision