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Choosing an OB-GYN
Even before you got pregnant, you probably wrestled with this question. Finding a doctor isn't always easy, particularly when it's someone with whom you're going to be having intimate discussions about your health. First things first: OB/GYN is short for a doctor who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. They focus on women's health, including prenatal care, pregnancy issues, and birth.
Many people find an OB/GYN by word of mouth. Ask your friends who have been pregnant if they recommend their own doctor. If you can't reach a consensus through this route, be bold and call a reputable hospital in your area. Ask for a head nurse in obstetrics or gynecology. Explain your situation and see if they have a suggestion.
Resources
If you're interested in looking into a particular doctor's background, it's not a bad idea to contact your state's medical board. The board often releases information through its Web site or a toll-free number. Many medical boards will advise you to interview a potential doctor in your first visit.
You can also call the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) at (202) 638-5577 to get names of board-certified doctors in your area or visit their Web site. Another good source of information is your community's Academy of Medicine, which is a chapter of the American Medical Association.
Questions Worth Asking
- Where did you go to medical school?
- How long have you been practicing?
- Where did you do your residency?
- What drew you to obstetrics and gynecology?
- What tests can I expect to receive under your care that are specific to my personal history?
- Can I speak with you personally when I call?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- Will you return my phone calls?
- What are your attitudes toward C-sections?
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