Your Ob/Gyn will be your partner through your pregnancy and the recovery period, so it's important to choose one that you trust. If you are having your first baby, it is especially important to choose an Ob/Gyn who you feel comfortable with, and who answers all of your important questions. You can receive referrals or references from friends and family, as well as other doctors to help you find a great Ob/Gyn who is willing to work with your through this life-changing period.
Step 1
Ask your friends and family members about Ob/Gyns that they liked through their own pregnancies and deliveries, suggests BabyCenter.com. You'll find that most friends are eager to point you in the right direction of a good Ob/Gyn and be happy to let you know about their experiences. They can also give you advice about specialized Ob/Gyns, like ones who deal with high risk pregnancies or drug-free births.
Step 2
Ask your primary care doctor to recommend a good obstetrician for you at an appointment with her. She'll know your health history and a variety of Ob/Gyns in the area and should be able to match you up with one that is a great choice.
Step 3
Visit the hospital where you plan to deliver your child, and ask the staff about the Ob/Gyns that women seem the most satisfied with after giving birth. They can give recommendations about the doctors they most often work with, and the ones that give attentive care to pregnant women.
Step 4
Visit the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to find a board certified Ob/Gyn in your area that you can trust (see Resources). The directory found on the website is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the ACOG website allows you to choose your state and area for a list of certified Ob/Gyns.
Step 5
Make a trial appointment with an Ob/Gyn of your choosing. Don't immediately make an appointment to have your first prenatal appointment, says CareFair.com. Instead, make a preliminary appointment where you can speak with the Ob/Gyn, talk to him about the schedule of appointments, births per year, fees and billing and any other questions you may have.
Step 6
Ask about the Ob/Gyns thoughts on delivery methods, cesarean section rates and other intervention methods. Note whether or not the Ob/Gyn has philosophies that match your own. For instance, if you hope to have a medication-free birth with little intervention, an Ob/Gyn who heavily recommends an epidural and has a high cesarean rate may not be the right fit for you. Assess also his manner and how you feel about it. Do you prefer a gentle Ob/Gyn who gives you less information, or do you prefer one that is a blunt, straight shooter.
Step 7
Trust your instincts. When you find an Ob/Gyn that you know will do everything in her power to ensure your baby's safe arrival, who understands your hopes and plans for your birth, and who gives you information in a way you understand, you'll know you've found a great Ob/Gyn.
