13 important questions to ask when choosing a pregnancy care provider

Before diving into the questions you ask the care provider, let’s ask what you want for your pregnancy first.

OB-GYNs have graduated from medical school and have had three or more years of additional training in obstetrics and gynecology, with most of their education in detecting and treating problems. They practice in full-service medical centers using the Medical Model of Care, meaning pregnancy and birth are significant medical events, and the caregiver’s role is to offer wellness guidelines and provide medical care to monitor and treat if any complications arise. Routine care protocols are provided, and the natural childbirth process is considered unpredictable and potentially unsafe. Providing routine interventions before problems arise and believing medical interventions can improve labor and birth, although scientific research has shown that routine use of technology and intervention isn’t always safer.  If problems arise, they intervene quickly with the tools most likely to have the quickest effect. 

Midwives are the typical maternity caregivers in most countries. The United States and Canada have become increasingly popular with midwifery. Their education and practice are based on the Midwifery Model of Care, which focuses on the needs of healthy women during the childbearing years. Birth is a significant event in a family’s life. Providing support with medical aspects of pregnancy and emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. A belief that the natural childbirth process is unpredictable but normally safe. A woman’s state of mind influences the labor process, so individualized care is necessary. Midwives monitor the mother’s and baby’s wellbeing and provide education and support. If problems arise, caregivers first use less risky, simpler interventions to restore a healthy physiological process. Low intervention and cesarean rates are desirable. 

We can go deeper into models of care, but let’s keep this simple.  We could talk all day about statistics and studies on births, but that isn’t our goal here either. 

The most important mindset you need is to always, always, always follow your instinct. If something doesn’t seem right, then walk away.

Every person on this planet is unique in their own way. And every pregnancy on this planet is unique in its own way.  If you want to go with a holistic birth at home with a midwife, that is your chosen approach. If you want a hospital birth with a team of doctors, that is your chosen approach. Both methods are great, and what you choose and what you feel comfortable with is what is best. 

So, once you figure out where to give birth, ask around your area and get suggestions from friends and family who know providers that provide care in the hospital or birth center you wish to attend.