Tips for Finding a OBGYN

Theresa L.
I did a review once on an OBGYN office I used during my second pregnancy. To say my experience with them was a nightmare is a huge understatement and one I hope no other mom-to-be has to go through. During my time at this office, everything was wrong with me and my unborn son, including the need to have an unnecessary surgery. Because of my experience with the Cadillac OBGYN office, I have never returned and now know a little bit better when it comes to finding the right doctor for myself.

Now that I am on my third pregnancy I know a little bit better on what I am looking for and what to ask and hopefully my tips and suggestions will help another mother-to-be from having to have any horrible experiences.

1) Ask around: Talk to the females in your life that have children, whether it is a family member, friend, or even a co-worker. Get as many names as possible from them, and make sure you find out what they liked or didn't like about them. If your having a hard time gathering up a list, have your spouse or another family member help you out.

Going into my third pregnancy we moved far from home so I, personally, do not know anyone. My husband, bless him, embarrassed himself immensely by asking his female co-workers who they used and recommended.

2) Know your comfort zone. Some females are more comfortable having a female doctor, others prefer a male, while some do not care either way. The doctor you choose should be someone you can be comfortable with, after all pregnancy can be a embarrassing topic at times.

One of my biggest issues with the Cadillac OBGYN their doctors only stayed a month and than were replaced. It made it very difficult for me to get comfortable talking about my own concerns, especially when it felt like each visit I was repeating myself over and over again.

However, it is important to keep in mind that even if you do have the one doctor, it does not necessarily mean he or she will be their to deliver your child. I was lucky the doctor I had on during my second pregnancy was on vacation and ended up with the one on call.

3) Research, research, research. The internet is such a fascinating thing, you can find out everything and anything about pretty much everything including physicians reviews.

Granted you may find a few bad reviews out of hundreds, but you will also find out more about their experiences and credentials, two very important things when finding any doctor.

4. Location. Your OBGYN and hospital should be close enough to your home, especially if there is an emergency. One of the worse things a pregnant female can do is travel hours away to meet a doctor or go to the hospital, chances are you may end up delivery on the side of the road. The closer to your home, the better off you will be.

The best way to find out about the birthing center at your hospital is pay them a visit. Do no be afraid to go in and meet some of the staff, ask to see what the rooms are like, find out if your husband or boyfriend can stay with you.

5) Insurance. Insurance is always a factor when choosing any physician and a OBGYN is no different. The last thing any family wants is more bills so before making that final decision make sure whoever you choose accepts your insurance.

6) Making a decision. Make sure you are the one making the decision. Do not let anyone influence your decision in who your OBGYN is going to be. After all, it is you who has to deal with them, not your spouse or mother.

Having a child can be exciting and frightening at the same time and these tips should make things a little bit easier for you, especially when you will have so many more important things to stress over during the next few months.

Published by Theresa L.

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6 Comments

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  • Theresa L.7/23/2011

    Thank you, Nana for the thoughtful words. I am sorry to hear you had one as well.

  • Diane Zoller-Ciatto7/23/2011

    Theresa, hopefully, your experience will help those in need. This way your bad experience will serve as a valuable lesson. I too had a bad experience long ago. Excellent article!

  • Theresa L.7/22/2011

    Thank you all. Michelle I am glad your niece found a good one. Your right, Sandy, it is not fun - It also adds more stress on the pregnancy. Smart move Karen! I can not blame you for getting a second opinion.

  • Karen LoBello7/22/2011

    It's a shame you had to go thru that with an OBGYN....I had one who wanted to give me an unnecessary surgery and was ticked off that I was getting a second opinion....needless to say, that was the end of going to him. Good tips.

  • Sandy James7/22/2011

    I had a bad experience with an OBGYN once too. Not fun.

  • Michele Starkey7/22/2011

    My niece had a hard time finding the right OBGYN. Thankfully, they finally did. cheers ;)

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