One of the most common challenges among many women is revealing the most intimate parts of their body and life to a doctor. Even when you realize you are pregnant, it’s never easy to find an obstetrician/gynecologist in as much as you might be excited about the whole thing. However, when you are pregnant, your health and that of the baby entirely depend on it. This is the time you need the help of an expert the most. If possible, consider hiring a San Antonio women’s health nurse practitioner to take care of all your needs.
Remember, as a woman, you go through a lot of unique situations through your life cycle, and you can’t afford to tackle them alone. It’s crucial to find an expert that you can confide in, in case you feel something is not right. Most women fail to share the issues affecting them, and before they know it, it has grown to a serious health issue. Always have a women’s health nurse practitioner or an obstetrician to consult with whenever you feel something is not right. However, how do you find the best expert that’s right for you? Here are some essential factors to keep in mind when looking for an obstetrician or a gynecologist;
Understand your needs
Looking for an obstetrician is almost similar to finding any service provider. You have to find out if they can give you the appropriate help and care that you need in a way that you want. It’s always important to know that whoever you rely on can meet your requirements to avoid inconveniences to something as sensitive as your health. One of the things you might want to consider is if the obstetrician you hire will be available for all your antenatal appointments and the birth as well. Most of these practitioners operate in a group share arrangement, so get to know how frequently they handover. If possible, find out about who they will handover to once they leave. Such factors can be the key to getting the experience you desperately need.
Consider your insurance
When you are seeking the help of an obstetrician, you must understand what your insurance covers and what it does not. In case there’s something you don’t know about the coverage, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Always make sure you operate with hospitals and providers that are within your network. Remember going out of your network can be very costly since bills add up quickly, especially if there is a complication and you or your baby need special care. If you are looking for an obstetrician, it would not be wise to look out of your network unless you are financially prepared for the situation.
Get referrals
When you are getting started, chances are you know nothing about the best obstetricians in that field. Asking around is always a good starting point. You can always ask your primary care doctor to give you a referral list or talk to your family, friends and other healthcare providers to recommend someone they know is good at what they do. It could out of past experiences with them or know someone they served and were contented with how they attended to them. The good thing with referrals is that you will end up with a good list of potential obstetricians. Once you have all the contacts, you can start to narrow the list down by calling each Ob/Gyn’s office to ask for an appointment. Get to meet and interview the doctors until you find someone you would be comfortable working with.
Beware of your health history
As a woman, if you experience chronic illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure, you are at high risk when pregnant. Likewise, if you had a c-section before or encountered problems while conceiving in the past, your obstetrician needs can be different. Take your time to think about your personal health history. You might not realize it, but it’s essential to identify specific issues that may call for specialized gynecological or obstetric care. When it comes to your health, you have to be careful, or else you will face some undesired consequences.
Research on the credentials
You can’t possibly trust just anyone with your health. When choosing an obstetrician or a gynecologist, you have to make sure the relevant board certifies them. It shows that the doctor has gone through the necessary training and has the right skills and experience to offer gynecologic and obstetric care. You may also want to check if the doctor has any history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions against him/her. Ensure you have all the relevant credentials on the Ob/Gyn before trusting them with your health.
Hire someone you are comfortable with
The journey to pregnancy and birth is full of ups and downs. As such, it’s crucial for you to feel confident that whoever you choose to work with understands your needs and the concerns that you and your family may have. If they can consider all that then you can have some faith in the kind of service they will provide to you. From the moment you have your first appointment with your obstetrician, you should feel confident in talking to them. Likewise, you have to trust their judgment, advice, and you shouldn’t feel awkward around them. When you are comfortable around your doctor, you can raise issues concerning your body, including talking about your private parts and state of mind. Also, it becomes easier to let them know your preferences and expectations.
Choosing an obstetrician or a gynecologist is an important decision for any woman. You have to take your time and keep in mind this is the person that you will share some of the most intimate things about yourself with. You will be required to make so many decisions, so do your homework and never settle for the first name that you come across. There’s nothing better than knowing that both your health and that of the baby are in safe hands. Also, sometimes you might find someone well-qualified for the job, but something about them doesn’t add up. In such scenarios always trust your gut. If you are not comfortable, then look elsewhere. Sometimes you can’t explain the X factor.
