If youre experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be feeling stressed and a little overwhelmed. The first step to alleviating this stress is finding the right doctor to guide you through this experience. A knowledgeable, attentive, and kind doctor will make you aware of all of your options and will help you choose whats best for you and your family. To help you find the right doctor for you, here are some tips:
Obstetrician vs. Gynecologist
There are two main types of doctors who work with pregnant individuals: obstetricians and gynecologists. Obstetricians specialize in pregnancy, labor, and post-natal care, while gynecologists focus on general reproductive health issues in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Often, doctors may choose to train in both fields of study. Individuals who opt to do so are known as Obstetrician/Gynecologists or OB/GYNs.
Once you become aware of your pregnancy, you should consult with your regular physician to determine if you should meet with an obstetrician, a gynecologist, or both/an OBGYN.
Typically, if you choose not to meet with an obstetrician, you will need to find a midwife who can help directly with your labor, as your gynecologist will likely lack the experience necessary to help with the procedure.
Additionally, its worth noting that most experts recommend working with both an obstetrician and a gynecologist to ensure that your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.
Experience and Demeanor
After youve decided which types of doctors you would like to work with, the next step is to select and meet with potential candidates. Above all, you will want to ensure that your doctor has the expertise necessary to assist you with your pregnancy while accounting for your unique life situation. Thus, you should look for professionals who are well-established in their clinic and/or community.
Additionally, you may want to search for reviews from their previous patients or information about their education and practical experience (all of which should be readily available online).
Next, you will want to meet face-to-face with potential candidates to determine how speaking with them makes you feel. A good pregnancy doctor will be attentive to your situation and will respond to your questions calmly and confidently.
Furthermore, they will make you feel at ease, and will not pass judgment on you or your situation. If you leave an appointment feeling more relaxed than when you entered, then you may have found the right doctor for you. However, if meeting with a certain doctor causes you stress or fear, then you should choose someone else to help you through your pregnancy. In this situation, its wise to trust your gut instinct. If something feels off to you, it usually is and that doctor is not the right fit for you.
Specializations
Something else you may wish to consider when choosing a doctor is the candidates areas of expertise. For example, if you have a pre-existing health condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you may want to find a doctor who has worked with individuals with the same condition.
Additionally, if you have a specific type of birth plan in mind such as homeopathic delivery, you should work with a doctor who offers this birthing option. Overall, take your time and be certain to choose the doctor thats right for you. Doing so will make your pregnancy that much easier.
