If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you must know how to choose a good obstetrician.
I’m sharing this article because I’m a mom, and I went through this important process myself.
For this reason, I pulled together this quick article for you all about how to choose the right obstetrician.
As you might already know I’m a bestselling wellness author and founder of the life changing video course Stop Emotional Eating.
I love sharing tips for about how to be your healthiest self. And when you’re pregnant, you want to protect not only your health, but the health of your baby too!
So let’s get started…
First things first: An obstetrician is a medical doctor specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
There are many things to consider when choosing an obstetrician.
Some factors include:
- How comfortable you feel talking to them about your pregnancy and delivery care preferences.
- What their accreditation is with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
- Do they have any hospital privileges.
- Are they accepting new patients.
- Do they have a good reputation.
The best way to find an obstetrician is through recommendations from friends or family. Obviously make sure they are local. If you are after a Sydney obstetrician, then make sure they are based there You can also check out online directories or call local hospitals to see if they have any list of recommended obstetricians.
Consider choosing an obstetrician before pregnancy.
If you choose someone before pregnancy, you can establish a relationship with them. And then you will feel comfortable discussing your preferences for care.
However, some women do not find out they are pregnant until they have already started seeing a general practitioner (GP) for their prenatal care. If this is the case, your GP can refer you to an obstetrician.
Your GP will likely be able to refer you to an obstetrician who meets your individual needs and circumstances. For example, if you have a medical condition that requires specialised care like a high-risk Obs, your GP will refer you to an obstetrician who has experience caring for women in your situation. If you live in a remote area, your GP may refer you to an obstetrician who provides telehealth services so that you can receive the care you need without travelling long distances.
Once you have found an obstetrician you would like to consult with, there are a few things you should ask them before making your decision.
What to ask your obstetrician
- First, find their accreditation with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). This ensures they have undergone the necessary training and examinations to practise as obstetricians in Australia and New Zealand, this is an important step to do first.
- Second, ask if the obstetrician has any hospital privileges. This means that a hospital’s medical staff has approved them to admit patients and provide care. Not all hospitals have the same policies regarding which healthcare providers they allow on their premises, so it is vital to ensure that the hospital where you intend to deliver your baby is one where your chosen obstetrician has admitting privileges.
- Third, ask if the obstetrician is accepting new patients. Some practices may be closed to new patients due to being at capacity. If the obstetrician is not accepting new patients, you may need to look for another one. However, if they are accepting new patients, you will need to make an appointment to see them.
- Fourth, ask around about the reputation of the obstetrician and their practice. Talk to your friends, family, and other moms in your community about their experiences with different obstetricians in the area and see if anyone has any recommendations for you.
Find an obstetrician you trust.
For many women, this means selecting a doctor who shares their values and who they think they can openly communicate with. It’s also essential to ensure that your obstetrician is board certified and has experience delivering babies. You’ll also want to consider location, insurance coverage, and whether or not the practice offers the services, you’re looking for. By doing your research, you can be sure to choose an obstetrician that’s right for you.
Extra Tip
When you are pregnant, you want to do everything possible to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Part of this is choosing the right obstetrician. You want someone knowledgeable and experienced, but you also want someone you feel comfortable talking to about your pregnancy care and delivery preferences. After all, it is your body and your baby, and you should have a say in how they are cared for. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing your concerns with your obstetrician, it may be time to find a new one. The goal is to find someone you can trust to provide the best care for you and your baby. With the right obstetrician by your side, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
Conclusion
Choosing an obstetrician is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Thankfully, many resources are available to help expectant parents find the right provider for their needs. By researching and asking around, you can be sure to find an excellent obstetrician who will provide you with high-quality care during your pregnancy and delivery. So, don’t wait, start your search today!
Stay Healthy During Your Pregnancy
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