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Need a Doctor?

Choosing a Pregnancy Health Care Provider

By Ginny Hermann

Since many women have an ongoing relationship with an OB, it is natural that an overwhelming amount of expectant mothers feel most comfortable trusting pregnancy management to this type of caregiver. OBs typically deliver in a hospital setting using the latest medical technologies and training. Some pregnancies are also managed by a perinatologist, an OB who specializes in high-risk pregnancies and deliveries.

A family practitioner (FP), much like the general practitioner of the past, specializes in the care of the "whole" patient and can be called on to provide primary and specialty care as needed. Training of FPs includes licensing to provide prenatal care and perform deliveries.

FPs often get to know patients and their individual health concerns at a deeper level because they are active in all aspects of their care. From allergist to internist, obstetrician to pediatrician, an FP does it all. Women who have an ongoing relationship with a good FP and have no high-risk issues often choose to entrust pregnancy and delivery to this type of provider.

"If I had to choose a doctor to attend a birth now, I would probably choose a family practitioner," says Storm Weaver of Houston, Texas, a mother and former midwife herself. "I'd look for one who would agree to work with me in finding answers to my questions and would not balk at learnig about holistic birth practices. This is something I've found family practitioners are a lot more willing to do than obstetricians." Like OBs, FPs deliver in a hospital setting using the latest technologies.

Want to see more?

• Guide to Common Pregnancy Tests and Procedures
• So, You Want to Have a Homebirth
• The Homebirth Hype
• The Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative

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