When you find out you're pregnant, you will need to start seeing a prenatal care doctor regularly for checkups. This doctor will also give you advice and guidance to ensure your pregnancy is as healthy as possible. As such, it is important that you hire a prenatal care doctor who you feel comfortable and confident around. Interview a few before you choose one, and as you interview them, ask the following questions.

During what hours is the doctor available to take calls?

Especially if this is your first pregnancy, you are likely to have a lot of questions. You may feel a strange sensation in the evening and wonder if it's normal. You may notice an odd symptom in the middle of your workday and become worried. Some prenatal care doctors make themselves available, day and night, via phone for their pregnant patients. Others may forward your calls to a nurse or coworker during certain hours. Make sure you're comfortable with the communication protocols the prenatal care doctor offers before hiring them.

Does the doctor work with midwives or doulas?

It is becoming more common for women to work not just with a doctor, but also with a midwife or doula during their pregnancy. If this is something you want to do, make sure you ask whether the prenatal care doctor is willing to work with these professionals. Some do, and some don't. Some prenatal care doctors even have certain midwives and doulas they recommend, which makes them a good choice if you're also looking for these professionals.

Will the prenatal care doctor attend the birth?

Usually when you work with a certain prenatal care doctor throughout your pregnancy, they are also the doctor who attends the birth and delivers your baby. However, there are some doctors who only work with pregnant women and then pass them off to a different doctor for labor and delivery. If you plan on working with a midwife, you might be just fine with the second arrangement. On the other hand, if your prenatal care will be the only caregiver involved in your pregnancy, you'll probably want them to follow you through to the birth. 

If you ask the above questions to any prenatal care doctor, you should get some good information about the services they offer and what your experience might look like if you hire them. Pick the doctor whose answers best align with your needs.

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