Obstetrician Gynecologist
or Certified Nurse Midwife
The Choice is Yours

The choice between an obstetrician gynecologist or a certified nurse midwife should be made by the time you receive your first positive home pregnancy test. I'm sure you are thinking about who you will call to set up prenatal care. There are many decisions to make, and this is among one of the most important.

An obstetrician gynecologist is a doctor that delivers babies and specializes in pregnancy. Normally you refer to them as an OB/Gyn. A gynecologist alone is a doctor that specializes in women's reproductive health. Some family practitioners and general doctors also deliver babies. A certified nurse midwife is a nurse that has been trained and certified in midwifery.

Advantages of a doctor:

• Educated as an expert - should an emergency arise they are equipped to handle it and don't have to answer to anyone else.
• Can treat both high risk and low risk pregnancies.
• Can order pain relief during labor if you choose to use it.

Disadvantages of a doctor:

• Lack of personal attention during prenatal visits.
• Lack of personal attention during labor.
• Cost is generally higher for a doctor.

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Advantages of a midwife:

• Able to give personal attention during prenatal visits.
• Able to give more allowance during labor and birth with more freedom from medical procedures.
• Able to be with you through most all of labor.
• Supports and promotes an all natural childbirth.
• More affordable.

Disadvantages of a midwife:

• Can't perform certain services that only doctors can.
• Should an emergency arise, you will have to go to the hospital and see a physician.
• Can't administer prescriptions if an infection occurs - or if pain relief for labor is desired.

The choice between the two pretty much depends upon your personal preferences, your state of health and the area in which you live. Both have wonderful advantages and both have their disadvantages. If you can't decide - make your own list of pros and cons.

In my opinion both doctors and midwives offer excellent care and often they work together to give both mom and baby the best pregnancy outcome.

Choosing between an obstetrician gynecologist or a certified nurse midwife all depends on you and your health and your preferences. One word about the cost of a doctor versus a midwife - in my area they both cost the same, so "cost" could not be a factor in a decision here. Also in some states, midwives are only allowed to practice in hospitals and home births aren’t allowed. Good luck with your best decision on who will care for you during your pregnancy!