Midwife vs Doctor vs OBGYN: Choosing the Right Provider for Your Pregnancy Care
When it comes to pregnancy and women’s health care, you have choices. Understanding the differences between an OB-GYN, a midwife, and an obstetric-trained family doctor can help you make an informed decision about the provider that best suits your needs. Each option has unique strengths, and the right choice depends on your preferences, medical history, and birth plan.
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)
An OB-GYN is a medical doctor who specializes in women’s health, including pregnancy, labor and delivery, and reproductive health. They have completed medical school and a four-year residency focused on obstetrics and gynecology.
Midwife
A midwife specializes in pregnancy and childbirth. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses with additional training in midwifery, while Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) typically have training focused on out-of-hospital births.
Obstetric-Trained Family Doctor
Family medicine doctors with additional obstetric training provide a balance between traditional obstetrics and general family care. They offer comprehensive prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care while also managing the long-term health of both mother and baby. They have completed medical school and a three-year residency that includes specialized training in obstetrics, pediatrics, and general primary care.
Choosing the Right Provider
Your choice of provider should align with your medical needs, personal preferences, and birth plan. If you want continuity of care from pregnancy through postpartum and beyond, an obstetric-trained family doctor offers a unique advantage by caring for both you and your newborn, creating a more seamless healthcare experience. An obstetric-trained family doctor may be the right choice for those who want:
- Continuity of care for both mother and baby
- Families who want one doctor for prenatal, delivery, and pediatric care
- Patients who prefer a provider trained in both general medicine and obstetrics
- Parents who want ongoing, trusted care for their newborn and family
- Patients who may require a cesarean section but want continuity of care with a family doctor
At Gagon Family Medicine, we provide compassionate, patient-centered obstetric care with a focus on long-term family health. Our team of family medicine doctors trained in obstetrics ensures that you receive comprehensive care before, during, and after pregnancy. Additionally, our providers are trained to perform cesarean sections when needed.
Have questions? Contact us today to learn more about your maternity care options.
