Questions to Ask When Choosing a Prenatal Care Provider (OB specific)
It can be a big decision to choose a care provider during pregnancy! How do you know which one to pick? Should you just continue with the practice you’ve been going to for gynecological care? It may seem hard to “shop around” for a doctor, but just like choosing a wedding venue, a new job, or buying a house- it’s worth it to look around to find the right fit!
I’d recommend interviewing 2-3 care providers in your area, and some of the best ways to find supportive practitioners is to ask local your birthwork folks: doulas, childbirth educators, prenatal yoga teachers, lactation support folks, and midwives (ask who they refer their clients to when they need to refer out for medical reasons). They’ll likely be able to point you in a direction towards providers that they see utilizing evidence-based information, honoring birth preferences, and more flexibility in managing your unique pregnancy and birth.
That said- what if you’ve already chosen a care provider but you’re thinking about changing, or wish you had chosen someone else, or you’re starting to feel unsupported in your choices throughout the duration of your care. YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR CARE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME! You are not “locked” in, and you don’t need a reason to leave either. You deserve supportive, empowering, and customized prenatal care that honors your unique birth preferences.
Questions to Ask Potential Care Providers:
How do you feel about a support team like friends and family?
How do you feel about doula support?
What if I approach my estimated due date without going into labor? What is your induction policy?
Is intermittent fetal monitoring available during labor (vs continuous fetal monitoring)?
Do you require an IV hep-lock while laboring?
What is your philosophy on birth?
How do you feel about birth plans or preference sheets?
How will you feel if I disagree with a recommendation or make a decision opposite your preference?
What happens if you aren’t the OB on call while I’m in labor?
Will I meet the other OB’s during prenatal appointments?
What birthing positions are you supportive of during labor and delivery? Are there any you don’t “allow”?
Do you perform episiotomies? How often?
How often do you utilize forceps or vacuum extraction?
What is your c-section rate? Why do you think that is? ***This one can be very telling, in the US the cesarean rate is currently 32%, while the WHO recommended rate is 10-15%.
Do you support delayed cord clamping (waiting until white)? How long do you typically wait for and what would it look like if I wanted to wait longer? (Some practices only “allow” 1-2 minutes, while true “waiting until white” can sometimes take up to 10-15 minutes.)
Will I have uninterrupted skin-to-skin bonding time immediately following birth? For how long?
Questions to Ask Yourself After the Appointment:
Do I feel comfortable with this person? Are my muscles currently tense or relaxed with them?
Do they have a flexible birth philosophy or does it seem more rigid?
Do our philosophies line up? (Ideally they are enthusiastically supportive of your wishes, and not just “willing to let you try that”.)
Do we have a mutual respect?
Does it feel like I am the expert of my own body with them?
Do I trust their expertise and judgement?
Is the office staff friendly and helpful?
What was the wait time? Did I feel rushed in and out?
Hopefully in keeping some of these questions in mind, you’ll be able to find the prenatal care provider who is right for you!