Finding the right provider for your pregnancy is about more than just medical checkups; it’s about finding a provider that respects your birth goals and helps you feel safe.
When choosing a prenatal provider, you have options! Most pregnancy and birth providers are OB/GYN doctors or Certified Nurse Midwives. But in some communities, you may also choose a Family Practice Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant. For more info about the differences, check out this article.
Step 1: Think about the Where
You may already have a hospital or birthing center in mind. Choosing a provider at that location who can help you give birth may be your #1 priority. But it’s also okay to be flexible and consider other location options if you find a better provider fit down the road.
- Check Hospital Stats: We recommend using The Leapfrog Group to look for hospitals with low C-section rates. These facilities often prioritize personalized labor support and welcome doulas.
- Admitting Privileges: If you’re locked in on one location, make sure the provider you select works there.
Step 2: Navigate Your Benefits (The Insurance “Deep Dive”)
Maternity billing typically works differently than a standard doctor’s visit. Most of the time, maternity care is bundled as one service which means your prenatal visits, birth, hospital stay, and postpartum care is one single fee. The reason why we talk about it here is that some provider choices may save you money. Although you don’t have to navigate all of the insurance hurdles now, certain questions (and their answers) may help to shape your provider search.
- Ask About Your Deductible: Since you’ll likely be billed after giving birth, it helps to ask about costs ahead of time in order to budget. Ask your insurer: “What is my out-of-pocket maximum for all of this care?” “Are there extras that aren’t included like lab tests or ultrasounds?”
- Staying In-Network: Some insurance plans offer lower costs for staying in-network – both with your provider of choice and hospital / birthing center. If this is the case for you, it can help to know the savings and whether this impacts your decision-making.
Step 3: The First Visit – Questions to Ask
Very few OB providers or midwives work alone. Most work as part of a bigger practice in a shared office. Although you may choose a specific provider, it’s likely you’ll be asked to see different providers throughout your pregnancy. It also means you’ll usually have the provider on-call when you give birth, not necessarily the provider you initially picked. Be sure to clarify this early on in your care so you know what to expect..
- Communication: How can you send in questions or non-urgent concerns, and what is the typical response time?What is the best way to reach the team if you have an urgent need outside of office hours? If the answer is, go to the ER, you might prefer an office with more direct support.
- Views: What are their thoughts on prenatal education, birth plans, medical interventions (like inductions or epidurals), doulas and other support people?
- Cultural Fit: It is perfectly okay to look for a provider who shares your background or gender—feeling understood is a huge part of good care. If they don’t share your background, it’s okay to ask how they provide culturally sensitive care, and offer some thoughts about your background that might impact your care.
Step 4: Know Your “Red Flags”
Pregnancy is a vulnerable time, and you deserve to feel safe! Consider looking for a different provider if:
- The Brush Off: They dismiss your physical symptoms or gut feelings as just normal pregnancy anxiety without investigating it or suggesting meaningful comfort measures so you can manage your daily life.
- The Rush: You feel like you’re on a conveyor belt and don’t have time to ask questions.
- Communication Gaps: You find it hard to get a straight answer about test results or what to expect at your next milestone.
Pro Tip: Get Prepared
Most first prenatal appointments happen at around the 8–10 week mark. To make the most of it, have these ready:
- Date of Your Last Period: This helps determine your estimated due date, which is often confirmed by your first ultrasound!
- Health History: Share any previous pregnancies, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
- The “Can I?” List: Bring a list of any medications and/or supplements you’re currently taking to ensure they are the safest choice during pregnancy. Plan to ask about activities you enjoy and any other questions you have about safe pregnancy choices.
