Finding an ob/gyn question...

jlb1023

I'm 36 and pregnant for the 1st time (5 weeks).  I'm also new to the area I live in and have to find an ob/gyn.  Since I'm so new to this I'm wondering if it's normal to "interview" potential new drs prior to making an appt???  Also, what type of questions should I be asking?  I know hospital affiliation is important but what else should I be looking for when it comes to finding an OB?  I would truly appreciate your feedback, comments, thoughts.  Thanks so much!

Abeille

Do you have anyone you can ask to recommend their ob/gyn?  I had to find a new one last year and I asked friends for recommendations. I also considered the hospital and was able to narrow it down...turned out to be a good choice for me. 

ELF4321

Try asking for recommendations on your local knot, nest, and bump boards. That's how I found my doc and dentist when we moved.

Also, I know it's early, but ask about what prenatal testing they generally recommend, do they do ultrasounds in the office or send you to a separate place, do they typically treat over 35 mothers different than younger mothers in terms of testing, induction of labor some docs want to induce early, some at due date, some a week late. Also, if you think you want a med free birth, ask about how comfortable they are with doulas, alternate labor and pushing positions, etc.

LucyRicardo3

Those are good questions to ask, ELF

We've moved around quite a bit, so I've delivered with a different doctor with each pregnancy.

I haven't lived here (Atlanta area) too long and actually found my new dr by reading reviews on Yelp and Kudzu. This was a month before I found out I was pregnant and I needed to schedule my annual that I'd put off for too long. Thankfully this office is fantastic.

Good luck in your search.

ETA: don't forget to contact your insurance and find out if the doctor is in their coverage..

SkiHorse

I agree with the PPs and would only highlight the importance of finding a doctor who is comfortable with older patients (though you're still young!).  My first pregnancy was mellow, healthy, and trouble-free, but the obstetrician had such a pessimistic attitude toward the textbook risks associated with AMA that she was really a downer and a source of stress in my final weeks. This time, I chose a new OB and, during the first visit, I tried to get a sense of whether she had treated older moms-to-be and whether she had an optimistic attitude toward AMA.

jlb1023

Thanks for each of your responses...they are good questions to ask and were very helpful, especially since this is my first pregnancy and I don't know many people were I live.  Thanks again!

Geeps2

Other posters covered the great questions.  I know the OB/gyn practice that I go to also has midwives so I rotate between the Doctors and Midwives and if I so chose I could be delivered and seen only the midwives or chose to skip them completely and just see the Doctors.  That may also be something to look into if you are interested in having a little bit of both worlds. I love my practice and love that all the Drs and midwives are pretty much of the same mindset and philosophy. Also, like someone said check the local board here on the bump for where you live. I am in NJ and have responded to quite a few people looking for reccomendations for Drs. 

Good Luck!!!