While choosing the right doctor is always important, it is never more so essential than when you are pregnant. Whether this is your first time embarking on the brave new world of motherhood or whether you are on your third or fourth run through the delivery room, having a care provider that is right for you will be a very important part of the process that takes you through prenatal care all the way to the big day when you finally get to hold your tiny new bundle of joy.

Here are a few guidelines that you need to keep in mind and questions that you can ask when selecting an OBGYN, and do not forget that no matter how far along in your pregnancy you are, if you feel that your provider is not listening to you or is not following the best course of treatment for you then it is never too late to change to someone who will give you the best care and with whom you will feel comfortable with come delivery day.

Is the OBGYN a team player or a dictator? This is your pregnancy and your body, a good OBGYN should work with you as a partner in your health care and birthing experience. So ask her about this to find out if your doctor is open to a personalized birthing plan that will allow you to play an active role in your care and delivery? If not or if she seems to work on an assembly line sort of mentality where she will give you instructions on how she wants to handle things then you will probably be best served by finding a different physician.

Can you talk to the doctor in a comfortable manner? You will need to be able to discuss a variety of things with your care provider so it is important that you feel comfortable with whomever you choose and that she make herself available for any questions or concerns. If she is the sort of doctor that seems to rush your appointments and acts as if she does not have the time to answer your questions then look elsewhere.

What hospital or birthing center does your doctor hold privileges with? If you know where you want to have your baby, then you need to check with them or your perspective care provider to find out if they hold staff privileges at that location, otherwise you would end up having to go to another hospital when you are in labor.

Does your doctor have relevant experience for you? Experience as an OBGYN may not be enough if you have pre-existing medical conditions or other issues that could make this a high risk pregnancy. A doctor may have delivered thousands of babies but if non of her patients ever had diabetes and you happen to be a diabetic, then her experience may not be all that helpful to you. When you first meet with a prospective care provider, be sure to discuss your medical history with her and ask if she has experience dealing with patients with your specific concerns. Likewise, if you have your heart set on a specific birthing plan, such as a water birth, then you will want to try and find a OBGYN who is familiar with your chosen methods.

Is your doctor open to exploring alternatives with you? If you have a doctor who is too rigid or controlling in her approach, then you may find it hard to get valuable information or support from her for trying alternatives that you may discover during your pregnancy. For example, many women have found that using aromatherapy during labor, or laboring while in the standing posisiton is much more beneficial for them, but if you have a doctor who is not flexible enough to work with you on these things it may call for a very stressful pregnancy and birthing situation.

What is your doctor's after hours policy and back up plan?  You spend the months of your pregnancy getting to know your doctor; unfortunately however, she may not be the one who ends up delivering your baby. Sometimes, unforeseeable things can happen during a pregnancy, you may end up going into labor early when your doctor is out of town. She could be sick or she may already be with another patient in labor at the same time. While these little occurrences are rare, they do happen and it is important for you to know what your doctor's back up plan is. Who is her back up in case of an emergency? Is it someone that you could be comfortable with? Also, what is her after hours policy should a question or problem arise after hours. If you have a doctor who refers to you an answering service where someone will call you back, eventually, versus a doctor who gives you her cell phone number and tells you how to reach her after hours then you will want to opt for the later who is taking that little extra interest in you as her patient to give you the best care possible.

Above all else when choosing an OBGYN the most important thing to remember is that this is your pregnancy, not hers, so do not be afraid to ask questions, ask for explanations, and to expect her to listen to you or to switch to another doctor who will. Pregnancy can be a bit overwhelming at times but choosing the right OBGYN will make it a much more pleasant and stress free experience.