how to choose a prenatal care provider
Choosing a prenatal care provider isn’t just about credentials or hospital affiliations—it’s about finding someone you trust to guide you through one of the most personal and transformative experiences of your life. Your provider will have a front-row seat to your pregnancy and birth, so it’s essential that you feel heard, respected, and supported—especially when making important decisions.
So, how do you find the right fit?
The Different Types of Prenatal Care Providers
Before diving into the relationship side of things, it’s important to understand your main options:
Obstetricians (OB/GYNs) – Medical doctors trained in pregnancy, birth, and surgery. They are the go-to providers for hospital births and can manage both routine and high-risk pregnancies.
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) – Advanced-practice nurses who provide full-spectrum pregnancy and birth care, primarily for low-risk pregnancies. They take a holistic, patient-centered approach and practice in hospitals, birth centers, and home settings.
Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) & Licensed Midwives (LMs) – Experts in out-of-hospital birth, trained to provide care in birth centers or at home. They focus on natural, low-intervention birth for healthy pregnancies.
Now that you know your options, let’s talk about what really matters in making your decision.
What Makes a Great Prenatal Care Provider?
Credentials and experience are important, but they don’t tell you everything. The relationship you build with your provider will shape your experience just as much as their medical expertise. Here are the key things to look for:
1. They Make You Feel Heard and Respected
Pregnancy comes with big decisions, and sometimes, differing opinions. A great provider listens to your concerns, respects your perspective, and works with you rather than making choices for you. Even if you disagree on something, they should take the time to explain their reasoning and be open to discussion.
✅ Do they encourage questions and take them seriously?
✅ Do they explain their recommendations clearly, without making you feel pressured?
✅ Do they respect your choices, even if they differ from their usual approach?
If you ever feel dismissed, rushed, or unheard, that’s a sign to keep looking.
2. They Help You Understand Your Options
Birth is full of choices—pain relief options, induction, monitoring, interventions, and more. The right provider will make sure you understand not just what they recommend, but why.
A good provider won’t just say, “We need to induce you.” They’ll say:
"I’m concerned about X, and here are the benefits and risks of induction. Here are some alternatives. What feels right for you?"
The best providers empower you with knowledge, so you can make informed choices that align with your values.
3. They Understand Your Birth Vision
Whether you want an unmedicated birth, an epidural, or you’re still figuring things out, your provider should respect your vision. That doesn’t mean they’ll always agree with you—but they should work with you to create a birth plan that feels right for you.
Look for a provider who:
✅ Asks about your birth preferences early on
✅ Supports your wishes whenever possible
✅ Explains when and why they might recommend a different approach
If they dismiss your preferences or use language like, “Oh, you won’t want that once labor starts,” it may be a red flag.
4. They Provide Care That Aligns With Your Values
Your birth experience isn’t just medical—it’s personal, emotional, and deeply significant. Your provider should respect the things that matter most to you, whether that’s avoiding unnecessary interventions, prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, or honoring cultural and spiritual traditions.
Ask yourself:
Do they practice evidence-based care?
Do they encourage shared decision-making?
Do they support things that are important to you, like delayed cord clamping, immediate skin-to-skin, or movement during labor?
The best providers understand that birth isn’t just about delivering a baby—it’s about your experience as a whole.
5. They Make You Feel Safe and Supported
Ultimately, the right provider should make you feel safe, informed, and in control—not just physically, but emotionally.
Do you leave your appointments feeling reassured and confident?
Do you trust them to respect your body, your choices, and your instincts?
Do they communicate in a way that makes you feel at ease?
Trust your gut. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to explore other options.
How to Find the Right Provider for You
Be Honest About What You Want
Think about what matters most to you—low-intervention birth, shared decision-making, a highly medicalized approach? Knowing your priorities will help you recognize the right fit.
Ask How They Compare to Their Colleagues
Every provider has their own approach, even within the same practice. Ask if they consider themselves more traditional or holistic and how their views on birth compare to their peers.
Ask About Hospital or Practice Policies
Even a supportive provider works within a system. Ask about induction rates, movement during labor, and newborn policies to ensure their setting aligns with your preferences.
Trust Yourself
If it isn’t a good fit, that is okay! It doesn’t mean the provider is a bad person. Some relationships (even patient-provider ones) just aren’t meant to be.
Final Thoughts
Your provider isn’t just someone who attends your birth—they are your partner in this journey. The right provider will respect your choices, support your vision, and help you navigate both the expected and the unexpected with confidence.
You deserve a provider who makes you feel heard, valued, and respected in your birth experience. If you don’t feel that way, keep looking. The right fit is out there, and it will make all the difference.