Why it is important to find a great obstetrician in Chicago
Bringing a baby into the world is an incredibly significant experience. There are a multitude of beautifully memorable moments associated with pregnancy and planning for delivery. Yet it is also a big responsibility. The right medical partner takes a great deal of stress out of the journey. The team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates shares this information on why and how to find a great obstetrician in Chicago.
A decision with lasting impact – for you and your baby
Your choice of obstetrician influences the chance that your delivery will be uneventful and that your baby will be born as healthy as possible.
The National Center for Health Statistics reports that:
- Nearly four million babies were born in the United States in 2017
- More than eight percent were low birthweight
- Nearly ten percent were premature
- Three of every 100 newborns were twins
- One in every 33 babies born in this country has some type of birth defect
Those figures may sound a bit concerning, but they illustrate the reality that complications can arise during pregnancy and in the delivery room. When potential issues are detected early, the doctor can plan accordingly, and the delivery team is prepared. That minimizes risk for you and your child at the time of delivery and helps to ensure a healthy future for the baby.
Start with the internet to find a great obstetrician in Chicago
Today, women have a wealth of information at their fingertips. The internet is a good place to start your search.
First, jot down factors that are most important to you in choosing an obstetrician. Your list might include items such as:
- Convenience – You will be making a lot of visits to the obstetrician’s office during pregnancy and following delivery. Consider the proximity of the practice to your home or workplace. Multiple locations may be even more convenient for your lifestyle.
- Associates – Babies tend to arrive on their own timetables. Naturally, the attending obstetrician must be ready to give priority to that situation. This can throw a carefully planned office appointment schedule into disarray. Having multiple providers at the practice, helping to cover for one another for planned checkups, helps to smooth scheduling fluctuations.
- Experience – Of course, academic training is very important. You want an obstetrician who is current on the latest findings and techniques in the field. Yet there is no substitute for having handled a wide variety of deliveries, from routine to unexpected and high-risk. Doctors at teaching hospitals have to be up to date on the newest techniques and procedures and that help make a healthier experience.
- Hospital privileges – Many of the tests, lab work, and procedures you may need during pregnancy can be performed at the obstetrician’s office, so look for a facility that is well-equipped for that purpose. However, the practice should also be associated with a nearby hospital in case more extensive prenatal treatment is needed. This is also where your baby will likely be delivered. It is good to pick a hospital that has all the specialties including anesthesia and a neonatal ICU readily available. It is also good to pick a hospital that has high-risk OB doctors available for consultation if needed.
- Insurance – “Business Insider” reports that in the United States in 2016, the average cost of having a baby (without complications) was $10,808. If you are relying on insurance to help with a portion of those expenses, you will want to look at providers who accept your plan.
Now, take a little time to peruse websites of obstetricians in your area. Make a shortlist of those who match your criteria.
Check online reviews at impartial sites such as Vitals, Zocdoc, and Google for these offices. Consumer reviews give you a good feel for the practice’s style and responsiveness from the perspective of actual patients. You can also check the credentials of individual doctors at sites like DocInfo.org.
By this point, you have probably narrowed your choices down to two or three. Take your research from the computer to the streets. Ask co-workers, family members, yoga classmates, or other female acquaintances about their experiences with these physicians.
There is probably nothing more important to your peace of mind in choosing an obstetrician than shared values. The only way to find out if they align is with a visit to the office. Pay attention to every aspect of interaction. Is your phone call answered in a friendly manner? Is the administrative staff helpful and competent? Is the appearance and atmosphere of the reception area welcoming? Does the support team handle your appointment in an efficient, organized manner? Does the doctor spend plenty of time in the initial consultation, answering your questions and explaining office protocols?
These traits are vital indications of the course your relationship with the obstetrician will take if you decide to choose him or her for your delivery.
The team of providers at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates welcomes new obstetric patients. We also provide a full range of women’s health services including gynecology, family planning, and minimally invasive surgery, for continued care after your baby is born.Call 312-440-9400 to schedule an appointment in Chicago.
