How do I choose a pregnancy doctor?

Pregnancy doctor on the National Health Service or privately?

Whether one chooses to conduct a pregnancy on the National Health Service or privately depends, in particular, on one’s funds. This is because pregnancy at a private gynecologist involves many costs. Note that it is necessary to cover not only the price of visits, but also blood tests, ultrasound or OCT. In the case of NFZ pregnancy management, these problems disappear.

Many women, however, point out that the doctor in charge of pregnancy on the National Health Service is limited to the necessary minimum of tests, which are imposed before top-down recommendations and recommendations. He does not perform an ultrasound at every visit. He does not order additional tests. For private visits, on the other hand, doctors often offer tests that expand diagnostics and provide a more thorough check on the baby’s well-being. If it is important to the Parents, and they can afford it, private visits are a better choice.

However, it is important to remember that even if you have a private pregnancy, in some cases you can take advantage of  free prenatal tests. They are entitled in situations such as:

• The age of the woman above 35,
• abnormal first trimester ultrasound result,
• abnormal biochemical test results,
• Chromosomal aberrations in the fetus in previous pregnancies,
• Structural chromosomal aberrations in the mother or father of the child.

What should the doctor in charge of the pregnancy be like?

The doctor in charge of the pregnancy should, first of all, inspire confidence in the Parents. He should respectfully address both the pregnant woman and her partner. This is because empathy is one of the basic qualities a pregnancy doctor should possess. Rude comments or a paternalistic approach are not advisable. Some women prefer doctors who are specific and low-key. Other moms-to-be prefer those whose appointments drag on and you can ask them any question you have  . It is good for a doctor to stay up to date with current medical knowledge and apply it in practice.

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What to look for when choosing a pregnancy doctor?

It is best to start looking for a pregnancy doctor while still trying to have a baby. Often in those counted among the best specialists, the waiting time for the first visit is long. It is worth reading reviews of doctors on various types of portals. Information about the doctor’s experience is included there, describing his internships or courses, if any. However, keep in mind that opinions on such groups or forums are subjective.

Visits to the doctor in charge of the pregnancy will most likely take place once a month, and even more frequently in case of complications. So it’s not exactly a good idea to choose a doctor in another city and decide to commute all the time.

Some mothers-to-be choose an attending physician who works at the hospital where they plan to give birth. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict whether that particular doctor will be on duty at the time of delivery or, for example, whether he will not be on vacation at that time.

If Parents have any doubts about the doctor who is managing the pregnancy, they can change him during these 9 months without any consequences.