Checklist: Interviewing an OB

You're in the driver's seat! Find the best doctor for you by asking the right questions.

Photo: Veer

If you have the luxury of choosing your OB, these questions will help you make an informed decision.

[  ] If it’s a group practice, what are your chances of having your primary OB deliver?

[  ] Who will be there if your primary OB isn't available in an emergency or when labor begins?

[  ] What is the hospital affiliation?

[  ] What is the cesarean rate?

[  ] Does the doctor (or group) perform episiotomies as a matter of course?

[  ] What is the doctor's attitude about patients having a birth plan with their personal preferences?

[  ] How does the doctor feel about pain medication during birth?

[  ] What are the after-hours policies? Is the doctor available by phone or email for questions between visits, or is there a nurse who can answer provide advice and answers?

[  ] What experience does the doctor (or group) have with high-risk pregnancies?

[  ] How many babies do they deliver per year?

After your interview, ask yourself if the doctor really listened to your concerns and seemed comfortable with your views on pregnancy, childbirth and medical care. If the answer is no, keep looking.

-- Paula Kashtan

May 29, 2009

See More: 1st Trimester , Pregnancy Tools , Prenatal Checkups

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So... how do you do this? Do you have to make an appointment and pay for these answers? Will an OB generally come out and meet you for 10 minutes for free to see if you are even compatible?

by Hayflea

I just took an at home test and it came of positive. I dont have a primary doctor or and ob. Should I schedule an appointment with a primary and have them help with the ob selection? Or do I skip selecting a primary and just find an ob to schedule an appointment with?

by gwenandbubba

I have an OB but I do not like the hospital affiliation....I have scheduled my first visit there...should I keep the appt or change doctors before my first appt?!?!?

by waldrop_k@yahoo.com

Gwenandbubba, depends on your insurance. If you have an HMO you need to see your primary (or pick one) and get a referral, if you have a PPO you can just pick an OB. Hope that helps and congrats!

by kmedchick

I just found out I am pregnant with my first, but I have so many questions! What are the pros and cons of choosing either an OBGYN or a Family Practice Doctor who did an OB fellowship? These are my choices in town, and I was to get all the info I can before choosing. Thanks in advance!

by newbie84

I just found out I am pregnant yesterday and have no idea where to start in choosing medical care. I'd like to have a midwife. Do I go to my primary first? How do I find a midwife? Any suggestions would be helpful.

by Ksuz33

After you've chosen a doctor, tour the maternity ward of the hospital where you will deliver. -GAR Labs

by garlabs

Some of the questions are very good, but I know a mom that visited a lot of suboxone treatment centers and she gave birth to a perfect baby without having the possibility of choosing her OB. My opinion is that people today have too much medical information available and the level of stress caused by that information could endanger the pregnancy.

by annekingsy

These are questions you should ask an OB alright. Unfortunately, some moms that end up in meth rehab centers do not have that luxury. Some women are just not aware of the life they have growing inside them.

by jamestt

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