The right OB/GYN is more than just someone who will offer the best care during pregnancy. You're choosing a person who will be your health care provider during the many stages of a woman's life, from young adulthood through menopause, and beyond. Being a wise health care consumer means taking the time to find the right doctor, so here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
Look for Certification. Choosing an obstetrician that is board certified by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is essential. Nurses should also be certified as practitioners and may carry a specialty certification for Women's Health.
Ask About Preventative Care. At your first appointment, interview the obstetrician about preventative care practices, Pap smear schedules and other screenings, so that you have an initial understanding of the care the doctor will provide.
Measure Your Comfort Level. Do you find it easy to ask questions of the doctor? Does he explain things clearly and completely, and seem interested in you personally? Does she seem like someone who will respect your wishes?
Find a Complete Range of Services. You want a doctor who can provide complete women's health care. Ask if he offers advanced techniques like robotic surgery and options for menopause care such as bio-identical hormone replacement.
Inquire About Office Hours. Some doctors maintain multiple offices and can schedule appointments in the early morning or early evening. These factors need to be taken into consideration before choosing the best OB/GYN for your care.
Compare Attitudes About Delivery. Does the doctor routinely use interventions like IVs, continuous electronic fetal monitoring, and episiotomy during delivery? If it's your preference, is the doctor supportive of natural childbirth, and how does he feel about having a doula or other support people besides your partner present during labor and birth? If you've previously had a c-section, and would like to try to have a vaginal birth this time, is the doctor supportive of vaginal birth after cesarean?
Ask a Friend. With so many OB/GYN's to choose from, where can you start? Sometimes, one of the best ways to find a good doctor is to ask a trusted friend or family member for a recommendation. You'll often get an honest appraisal that's based on years of experience with the doctor.
Women in the Dearborn and Downriver area and across southeast Michigan trust Northline Women's Health Center to provide the best care from our offices in Southgate and Brownstown. You can make an appointment online, or call us today and take your first step to finding the right OB/GYN.
