CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

5 Tips to Help Moms-to-Be Find the Perfect OB-GYN

Let the search begin.
save article
profile picture of Stephanie Benavidez
Updated April 1, 2020
woman smiling on computer searching for ob-gyn
Image: Tim Robberts / Getty Images

Sadly, I broke up with my ob-gyn this week. She was like an older sister minus the fighting and stealing my clothes. It was a tough decision, as you can imagine—we had a good run for over a decade. There was no botched medical advice or a front desk mishap. I left for a reason, though: We were in a long distance relationship. It was nearly a 45 minute drive to and from her office. I just couldn’t swing that anymore given the increasing frequency of our appointments.

I wasn’t necessarily on board with this idea at first—my husband was actually the one that suggested it. He saw what it took for me to schlep myself all the way there, hang around in the waiting room, finally get seen and then travel all the way back. It was an ordeal.

So, given my close proximity to the hospital and the fact that my mother-in-law works there, it was pretty obvious where I should be going, right? Right. I knew that my mother-in-law would gather a few good names, but I wanted to take matters into my own hands and perform some of my own research.

So I had to put a plan into place. How would I find a new doctor?

Step 1: Social Media is Your Friend
I checked tweets, Facebook and local listings to see what former patients had to say about their visits with the doctors. I did what any new mom-to-be would do—I asked for help. I used social media as my networking tool. From a few status updates, a tweet, a message board post here on The Bump, a group message on another mommy site and some good old fashioned word-of-mouth activity, I felt like I was equipped with some good leads. I couldn’t imagine just looking on Healthgrades.com or doing some Internet search to randomly pluck out a promising candidate.

Related Video

Step 2: Do Your Due Diligence
Don’t be afraid to do your own online research and even call the office. You’ll be surprised by what you can glean just from a simple phone call! From there I looked into the 12 leads I was recommended. I read their profiles on the hospital site, checked out the practice’s site, and called each of the offices to get more information. Right off the bat, I eliminated several practices based on the fact that I had to rotate to see all doctors. (I almost forgot to mention that I was only willing to see a female ob-gyn, no males allowed. No offense men, but it’s just what I prefer and what I’m more comfort with). So, with this nugget of information, several practices were eliminated right away. I settled on calling four practices. One was not accepting new patients and another was not able to see me for eight weeks, but I was able to see two of the practices for consultations with my new prospective lady doctors within the next two weeks.

Step 3: List Your Important Questions
Your doctor is going to be with you every step of the way, so don’t be wary of asking the important stuff. You’ll be so glad you did. Before my appointments, I wondered what I would talk about with them. What do I ask? Should I feel like I should want to go out for drinks with her? What exactly was I looking for? So I found a handy list of questions that would help me remember what to ask and prioritized all the questions I felt were important to me.

Step 4: Meet 'n Greet
Self-explanatory. Meet with the doctor and get to know each other—no harm in that. When I met with my two possibilities, they were both cordial, knowledgeable and took the time to speak with me. However, my first meet 'n greet felt very clinical, while my second was a little more personal. She even took the time to hear my baby’s heartbeat, just because. I was sold! It also helped that she knew my mother-in-law and mentioned, “We will take very good care of you.” Isn’t that what everyone wants to hear?

Step 5: Decision Time!
After feeling right at home with the second doctor, I knew my decision had pretty much already been made for me. Sometimes, it’s that easy!

Stephanie Benavidez is a writer and editor for a wellness company and owns her own company, Fresh Picked Words. Follow her on Twitter and Pintrest at @freshpickdwords and Instagram at @freshpickedwords.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

doctor talking to young woman in exam room
What Your HCG Levels Might Mean During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting on couch
Maternal Syphilis Rates Have Tripled in Recent Years, CDC Report Says
By Wyndi Kappes
doctor listening to pregnant woman's belly with stethoscope
Doctor Suggests 3 Questions to Ask Your Ob-Gyn When You Feel Unheard
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
mother wearing hospital gown and holding newborn baby in hospital room after labor and delivery
These Are the Best Maternity Hospitals in America, New Report Reveals
By Wyndi Kappes
young woman talking to doctor
What to Expect at the First Prenatal Visit
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
doctor and patient sitting and discussing medical matters
What to Expect at Your First OB Visit
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman holding ultrasound pictures at the doctor's office
What Happens at the 20-Week Ultrasound?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Questions to Ask at Your First OB Appointment
Questions to Ask at Your First OB Appointment
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Reclaiming Your Power: the Role of Wellness in Your Pregnancy Journey
Reclaiming Your Power: the Role of Wellness in Your Pregnancy Journey
By The Bump Editors
Be Well Mama: a Conversation With Hannah Bronfman
Be Well Mama: a Conversation With Hannah Bronfman
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant mom sitting with toddler daughter at home
The Bump Celebrates Black Maternal Health Week: How to Get Involved
By Wyndi Kappes
Reclaiming Your Power: Why Your Wellness Team Is So Important
Reclaiming Your Power: Why Your Wellness Team Is So Important
By The Bump Editors
pregnant woman practicing meditation at home on yoga mat
Prenatal Wellness Classes Can Cut Moms' Depression in Half, Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman looking at ultrasound pictures
Maternity Care Deserts: What They Are and How to Get Prenatal Care
By Katherine Martinelli
overhead view of pregnant woman holding a glass of water and vitamins
These Two Prenatal Pills Could Keep Baby From Developing Croup
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of pregnant belly during sunset in a field
Why 7 Million Women Don’t Have Access to the Maternity Care They Need
By Wyndi Kappes
LGBTQ couple holding hands on the beach
How to Assemble an Affirming Prenatal Care Team
By Maggie Overfelt
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman lying on exam table waiting for ultrasound
When Can You Hear Baby’s Heartbeat?
By Korin Miller
Black mother kisses her sleeping newborn's hand
White House Has Declared the First-Ever Maternal Health Day of Action
By Nehal Aggarwal
This New Bill Wants to Help Combat Inequalities in Black Maternal Health
This New Bill Wants to Help Combat Inequalities in Black Maternal Health
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List