Decisions, decisions, decisions. Once you're pregnant, it's one decision after another. You choose a name, a nursery theme, a crib and a car seat -- but one of the most important decisions facing a new mother is her choice of a health care provider. A trusting caregiver/patient relationship is essential, especially during this often unsettling time. That's why it's important that the choice of a pregnancy health care provider not be taken lightly.

There are four types of professionals from which to choose: obstetrician, family practitioner, certified nurse-midwife and lay midwife. Your decision hinges on your health, your desired degree of involvement and the type of service you expect from your provider.

An obstetrician (OB) is a medical specialist who has completed at least three additional years of training in women's health issues over and above general medical school training. If a woman has a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, is older than age 35, or has had previous problem pregnancies, miscarriages or genetic issues, her pregnancy is considered high-risk and should be entrusted to a specialist like an OB who is specially trained to handle the possible complications that may arise.

The majority of expectant mothers in the U.S. choose an OB as their pregnancy care giver. "I chose an OB because it made me feel safer using a specialist," said Sue Booton of Omaha, Nebraska. "When I have a sinus infection, I call an ENT; if I hurt my foot, I call a podiatrist. In my opinion, a specialist is better trained to handle most health care situations."

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.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.