When you’re expecting, finding the right OB-GYN is critical for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. If you’re awaiting your first baby, then you might not be sure what to look for in an obstetrician. The following guide outlines a few important traits of an effective pregnancy care provider.

What to Look for in an OB-GYN

1. Extensive Experience & Education

OB-GYNs must complete at least eight years of general medical training and specialized residencies and fellowships. Their experience in a variety of settings, from emergency rooms and surgical suites to private practices, means they have the knowledge and skills to help you have a safe, healthy pregnancy. 

2. Compassionate Care

When a doctor is caring for your changing and growing body—and the baby—it’s important that they make you feel comfortable. They should take the time to reassure you that certain symptoms are normal, even if they feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, and answer your questions.  

3. Compatible Values

Some women want to have a natural birth or avoid certain medications, so it’s necessary to find an OB-GYN who understands and respects these values. Since these preferences may require special care and procedures during delivery, it’s important for your doctor to be familiar with the methods and techniques that will help you achieve these goals. 

4. Preferred Gender

Some women feel more comfortable with a female doctor during pregnancy since it is such an intimate topic. If you prefer a certain gender, try to filter your search accordingly and ask who is available in a group practice. This will help you feel more comfortable during each appointment, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

5. Subspecialties

If your pregnancy is deemed high-risk due to a pre-existing condition or situation that develops during gestation, then it is critical that you have access to an OB-GYN who provides specialized care. They will be equipped to protect both you and the baby under a variety of situations, improving health outcomes.

If you’re pregnant and searching for a compassionate and trusted OB-GYN, then trust Genesee Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology PC of Rochester, NY. This team offers patients a full range of obstetric and gynecological services in a comfortable setting. To learn more about how these doctors can help you throughout your pregnancy, visit their website. Call (585) 641-0399 to set up an appointment.