Obstetrics: Choosing The Right Office

Being pregnant means choosing an obstetrics office close by. From the very beginning, pregnancy requires the attention of a physician. Confirming the pregnancy is the first step and from there, the appointments will increase in frequency and require more care and attention. As you search for a professional, keep the following points in mind.

Health Insurance:
In most cases, a health insurance company offers patients a list of doctor to choose from. They also cover the birth and care at a local hospital. Finding a physician that accepts your health insurance can cut down on the cost of the prenatal care and the birth. These names on the page don't give you a lot of information so plan to do a little research to narrow down you choice.

If you have a preference about where you deliver, you want to be sure to choose an obstetrics doctor that will deliver at that location. Most people want to see a doctor and deliver at a hospital nearby for convenience. Remember that you want to make this big event as easy and convenient as possible.

Comfortable:
As you go through the process of having a baby, you want to make sure that you going to an obstetrics office where you feel comfortable. You are going to be spending a lot of time here and it you want to be relaxed at every appointment. Look for a friendly staff as well as a friendly physician.

You want a doctor that listens. If you have concerns or questions, it is important that you feel heard. Choose someone that takes his or her time with each patient. This experience is going to completely change your life for the next several months and the last thing you want or need is to feel like you are just a number.

Other Doctors:
Sometimes your obstetrics doctor is not the person that will deliver the baby. Often doctors take turn being on call so depending on when you deliver, anyone can be there to get you through the experience. Most offices recommend that you meet with the other doctors in the practice at least once. You want to feel comfortable and confident in their skills too.

Changing Offices:
It is not easy to change obstetrics offices in the middle of a pregnancy but it can be done. Consider spending a little extra time upfront choosing the right doctor and office to ensure that the experience goes well. If you have to make a change, be sure that you have all of your records transferred so that your new physician knows all about your previous appointments and your current status.