ObGyn Intelligence
Evidence Matters
Prepare
Evidence LibraryPregnancy and prenatal testingThe first visit
Evidence Library · The first visit

Who is offering you care, and what the models differ on

Obstetrician, family doctor, midwife, or a mix.

In the United States most pregnancies are looked after by obstetricians, some by family physicians, and a growing number by certified nurse-midwives, often working alongside physicians in the same practice.

Models differ mainly in what happens when nothing is wrong. Midwifery-led care generally involves fewer routine interventions; obstetric-led care is set up for the pregnancies that develop problems. Most American women can have both, with a midwife for routine care and an obstetrician involved if something changes.

The useful question"If my pregnancy stays low risk, who will look after me, and at what point would that change?" Knowing the threshold in advance stops a handover feeling like a verdict.

Covered in the essential classes

Continue

More from Early pregnancy

This page is educational. It supports the conversation with your own clinicians. It is not consent to any treatment, and it cannot assess you. If you are worried about a symptom now, see urgent warning signs.