Pregnancy: Choosing a Practitioner

How do I know what kind of practitioner should deliver my baby?
 Whether you choose an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn), or a certified nurse-midwife, will depend on what kind of a birth experience you want to have, where you want it to take place, and whether your pregnancy is normal or a high-risk.


Here are things to think about when choosing....


Do you have a serious chronic medical condition?
If you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, or diabetes, or certain prior complications, your pregnancy will most likely be considered high-risk, and you'll need to see an obstetrician .

Do you already have a practitioner whom you trust and feel comfortable with?
If you already have a good relationship with a gynecologist who provides prenatal care and delivers babies or you see a certified nurse midwife whom you like for your regular gynecological care, you may want to stay right where you are. This is especially true if you feel your practitioner cares about you, knows your history, and makes time to answer your questions.

How important to you is a more individual, less routine approach?
If you're looking for a practitioner who will have more time to answer all or your questions, and provide 101 type of care you may prefer a midwife.. A midwife will encourage you to learn about the physical and emotional changes you're experiencing throughout pregnancy and to think carefully about all tests and interventions, so you can choose what's right for you. Whatever you choose, she will support you in your decision. All CNMs have obstetricians available for consultation and backup if needed.

What kind of setting do you want to give birth in?
If you want to have a natural birth in a comfortable setting with family and friends around, you'll want to find a midwife to attend the birth. Now A Days doctors do not attend home births. On the other hand, if you want medicated pain relief, or you're very anxious about something going wrong during delivery, you may be best off in a hospital, where complications can be handled quickly.