Prior to having children, I had years of seeing different gynecologists. They were all fine for the once a year appointment and exam but once I realized that I was pregnant, I panicked. I wanted to see a doctor that I knew I would be comfortable with through my pregnancy and delivery. The endless rows of doctor names in my insurance book began to blur together as I starred at the pages. This was no way to pick a doctor. So here’s what I did. I reached out to my friends, other Moms. I asked them who their obstetrician was, what they liked about them, what they would change if they could, and where they delivered.
It was through trusted friends' recommendations that I had a short list of doctor’s names to consider. So I called them. These were the questions that I asked.
1. Did they take my insurance? Having babies is expensive. Be sure that your insurance is accepted.
2. Where is the office located? You will have monthly and eventually, weekly visits throughout your pregnancy. Make sure that it is convenient for you to travel there from home or work.
3. How many doctors are at the practice? Two of my three deliveries were performed by my doctor. I wasn’t aware that this can be unusual. It is more likely in smaller offices that your doctor will be on call or that you will have the opportunity to meet the other doctors prior to your labor.
4. Are they taking new patients? There is nothing worse than thinking that you have found a perfect doctor, just to realize that you can’t be seen there. Find out right away and move to the next number if that is the case.
5. At what hospitals does that doctor deliver? If you have a certain hospital in mind, be sure that the doctor that you are interested in delivers there.
At my first meeting with my new obstetrician, I was able to discuss his views on things that were important to me during pregnancy and labor. Luckily, I found that his views were the same as mine. I was extremely happy with my doctor and completely grateful to my friend that referred me to him.
I had a friend that was so unhappy with her doctor that she was considering finding a different obstetrician when she was seven months pregnant. I was glad that wasn’t me. It was reassuring to have a doctor that I trusted, was comfortable with, and knew my expectations and concerns.