Obstetricians

What is an obstetrician?

An obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) is a medical doctor who has four years of additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological problems and in the obstetrical care of pregnant women. In the office, these physicians provide some or all routine prenatal care. In some practices, other clinicians also see the expectant mother during the pregnancy. During labor, Ob/Gyns tend to rely on the hospital nursing staff. The OB usually checks on the patient upon admission to the hospital and directs the nursing staff on medical care issues. The nurses care for the patient, with the physician returning when needed or at periodic intervals. When the woman is ready to deliver the doctor assist the patient and performs medical procedures.

Some questions to ask when choosing an obstetrician:

• How do most mothers in your practice cope with pain in labor?
• At what point in labor can I count on you to be with me?
• Will you attend an at-home or birthing-center childbirth?
• What type of pain-relief methods do you recommend and why? What are the advantages and disadvantages for each of these methods?
• Do you recommend having an episiotomy? Why or why not?
• What percentage of mothers in your practice have had a Cesarean delivery? A figure over 10 percent is high except in practices specializing in high-risk pregnancies.
• What percentage have had a VBAC? (vaginal birth after c-section) The figure should be about 70%. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports VBACs for many patients.

You may want to check out Boston Magazine's article titled "Top Doctors", published in February of 1999.

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