What To Do When It's Time To Find An OBGYN

If you've just learned that you're pregnant, then you'll most likely want to find a doctor who can guide you through the process the whole way to delivery. Locating an OBGYN may be simple, especially if you're already working with a gynecologist who also handles obstetrics work, but it's still wise to get things in order as early as possible.

What is an OBGYN?

An obstetrician-gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in dealing with the concerns of pregnant women, particularly any issues related to reproductive health. They do provide advice about general health concerns that tend to pop up during pregnancy, too. If you have any questions about pregnancy, labor or giving birth, your OBGYN will guide you through all of them.

Insurance Coverage

One of the earliest concerns you want to get out of the way is making sure that your insurance carrier will cover the costs of working with your particular OBGYN. You should also ask your insurance company whether they're willing to cover the costs of delivery at the hospital your doctor would prefer to use. In general, as long as your preferred OBGYN is covered, you should be willing to be flexible about which hospitals your insurance will cover.

Be aware that some health networks will prefer to point you toward a nurse practitioner for many of your visits. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially if you're fairly sure there won't be any complications, but it's something you'll want to sort out.

Background

It's good to learn a little about an OBGYN's background, including medical licensing, before you decide on one. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology is the most common certifying professional organization in the business, and membership in the group means your doctor has passed a series or both written and oral examinations relevant to the sector.

Delivery Methods

While everyone wants the delivery process to be as effortless as possible, the reality is that you should have a serious conversation about potential complications early on. Talk with your OBGYN about your feelings in regard to delivery techniques, the possibility of a C-section and the use of drugs during the delivery. If there's a difference of opinion, don't hesitate to seek a second perspective.

Planning

As delivery approaches, you'll want to know your OBGYN will be available. It is also prudent to have another doctor on standby in case of an emergency.

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