Choosing the right obstetrician can help you have a safer, healthier and less stressful pregnancy. You should be comfortable in your doctors presence and be able to ask any questions without fear of sounding silly or not getting an answer.
When looking for an obstetrician the best places to start is with your friends, your family and recommendations from your primary care physician. Your friends and family will give you the complete scoop without holding anything back and you should be able to trust the judgment of your PCP.
Some questions to ask your potential OB are:
- What is your education/training?
- How many years have you been with your current practice and how many years total have you been an OB?
- How often do you see your pregnant patients?
- What are the office hours, phone number and after hours phone number?
- What health insurance do you take?
- How many ultrasounds do you suggest?
- Do you recommend prenatal testing and at what point in the pregnancy?
- What is your suggested weight gain for me and how would you help me achieve this?
- Who delivers baby if you are unavailable?
- Will I have an opportunity to meet other physicians in the practice?
- On what conditions would you induce or perform a c-section?
- Can you provide rates for the general cost of a vaginal delivery and c-section delivery?
- What is your take on pain management during labor and episiotomies?
- Who is allowed in the labor and delivery room during normal vaginal birth and c-section?
- How do you monitor recovery after delivery and the weeks to follow?
The above list of questions is only a guideline for choosing your OB. Don't be afraid to ask any question you have.
North Florida Regional Women's Physicians
Women's Physicians of Jacksonville
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