Once you discover that you’re pregnant, the first essential step is to confirm the pregnancy with an obstetrician. This visit is crucial for ensuring the health of both the mother and the baby, as well as understanding the necessary steps during the pregnancy.

Before scheduling your appointment with an obstetrician, make sure you carefully choose the right one. Aside from medical expertise, your comfort during consultations is also vital. Selecting the right obstetrician will help you feel at ease and confident throughout your pregnancy journey.

Tips for Choosing an Obstetrician

Choosing an obstetrician is a major decision, particularly during pregnancy. Obstetricians play a key role in ensuring the health of the mother and the fetus and are essential partners in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Here are some important tips to help guide your decision when selecting an obstetrician:

Identify Your Needs

The first step in choosing an obstetrician is to clearly define your needs. Do you need routine check-ups, consultations for a pregnancy program, help with menstrual issues, specialized care for high-risk pregnancies, or specific medical procedures? Understanding your requirements will help you find an obstetrician with the right expertise and experience.

Additionally, be sure to check if the doctor accepts your health insurance. Ask about the types of insurance they accept and any specific requirements.

Check Credentials and Experience

Ensure that the obstetrician is properly licensed and registered with an official professional organization, such as IDI (Indonesian Doctors Association) or POGI (Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association). This confirms that the doctor meets professional standards and is authorized to practice.

You should also inquire about their experience, any specialties they may have, and their reputation in the field of pregnancy and reproductive health.

Consider the Location and Facilities

Select an obstetrician whose practice is conveniently located, especially if you will need regular check-ups throughout your pregnancy. A strategically located clinic will make it easier for you to attend all your appointments.

Also, check whether the facilities at the doctor's practice are well-equipped, such as having an ultrasound room, a comfortable delivery room, and proper emergency facilities.

Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

Choosing the right obstetrician can be overwhelming, especially for first-time mothers. To help make your decision easier, read reviews or ask for recommendations from friends, family, or communities of experienced pregnant women.

Online reviews from previous patients can give you valuable insights into the doctor’s service quality. Pay attention to aspects such as friendliness, empathy, clarity in explaining conditions, and accuracy in diagnosing and treating health issues.

Consider their gender

The gender of the obstetrician may influence your comfort level. While some women prefer female doctors, comfort is a personal matter.

If you feel more at ease with a male doctor due to their professionalism, communication skills, and experience, that’s perfectly fine. The most important factor is choosing a doctor who makes you feel respected, safe, and able to communicate openly.

Check Availability

Make sure you know the doctor’s office hours and whether they are accessible, especially in emergencies. Some doctors may have very busy schedules and may be hard to reach, which can be problematic if you need urgent consultations or routine check-ups.

After your first appointment, assess whether you feel comfortable with the obstetrician you’ve chosen. If necessary, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion and explore other options that may be a better fit for your needs.

If you have additional questions about pregnancy health, you can use the health consultation service on the Ai Care app, available for download from the App Store and Play Store.

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