Not all women are comfortable showing and or telling a stranger about their most intimate part. But, when you are expecting or planning to, you have to overcome this embarrassment and be on the lookout for an OB-Gynecologist that you would feel comfortable with. It might be overwhelming to include this in the list of things you have to do before the baby arrives. But an Ob-Gynecologist is your ally, someone who could look over your health and that of your baby’s.
There are some things you need to consider when looking for one. Once you have kept this in your mind, it would be easier for you to narrow down the search.
Find Someone With The Right Credentials
Medicine is a vast field of study. Numerous branches of it are focused on different disciplines to further the core understanding of the specialization which would help present and future patients. Obstetrics is one of these disciplines.
This field deals with pregnancy and childbirth and if you are pregnant, you must find someone with this specialization compared to other medical doctors who concentrated on a different subject. When it comes to choosing an Ob-Gynecologist, board certification is a must. Not only should they finish their studies, but they should also be certified and have the required skills, experience and training to be an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Quality Of The Hospital Where The Ob-Gynecologist Is A Resident Doctor
When you choose an Ob-Gynecologist, they are a package deal with the hospital where they are a resident doctor (unless you chose the hospital first and select among their rosters of Ob-Gynecologist). So, this should be a consideration for you as well.
If your pregnancy is covered by an insurance provider, the search would be easier for you since you need to limit your search for the hospitals that are covered by your insurance to avoid any unnecessary expenses. Choose among the top-rated hospitals to ensure that you would be given the utmost medical care. Location is also a factor for your convenience and during emergencies.
Communication Skills
Just by talking with them over the phone and you would be able to gauge their communication skills. Of course, it would still be better to meet with them in person. But, if you already felt comfortable in the initial conversation, consider that Ob-Gyn. Not all could be patient in answering your one thousand questions in the middle of the night.
But if the Ob-Gyn guarantees that they would be available for you the duration of your pregnancy, you have found yourself a keeper. Not only should they be willing to respond to your queries, they should also be prepared to listen to you. Because chances are, you would be talking to them a lot. Find someone who shows a genuine interest and a warm and welcoming attitude. You would need this from someone who is part of your support system.
You could ask for referrals from family and friends especially those who had a wonderful experience with their Ob-Gyn. Gender is also a consideration for some since there has been a surge of male Ob-Gyn recently. Do not be embarrassed because of their gender since they are as qualified and professional as their female counterparts.