All women want the best obstetrician to guide them through their pregnancy journey. Each woman or mother-to-be is unique, with different medical needs and preferences. Therefore, it is important to choose an obstetrician who suits your specific requirements throughout your pregnancy.
Tips on Finding the Right Obstetrician for Your Pregnancy Journey
Finding the right doctor can be challenging and overwhelming for many women and mothers-to-be. The following tips can help ease the decision-making process:
1. Obtain Obstetrician Recommendations
Recommendations from family or friends who have personal experiences with an obstetrician can be helpful in your decision-making. Opinions from trusted individuals can offer reassurance and answer some of the basic questions you might have.
2. Referral from Your Trusted Family Doctor/General Practitioner
You may also consider recommendations from your family doctor or general practitioner (GP). Your GP understands your current health status and can refer you to a specialised obstetrician who is equipped to manage your pregnancy.
3. Research Reviews and Obstetrician Recommendations from Online Communities
If personal recommendations are not available, you can explore local online forums where women share their experiences with obstetricians. After narrowing down potential doctors based on recommendations from family, friends, or online communities, conduct your own research to gather more insights.
4. Consider Obstetrician’s Experience, Expertise, and Specialisation
The experience, expertise, and specialisation of an obstetrician are important factors to consider. For expectant mothers, the mode of delivery is another key factor, as some obstetricians may offer different birth plans, such as natural births, caesarean sections, or water births.
5. Accessibility
The location of the clinic should also be taken into account. You will be visiting the clinic frequently during pregnancy, so it is helpful if it is near your home or easily accessible by public transportation.
6. Preferred Hospital for Delivery
If you have a specific hospital in mind for delivery, check if your chosen obstetrician is accredited to perform deliveries there. For example, Dr. Chua Ka-Hee, Dr. Lily Kho Chye Lee, and Dr. Yu Su Ling at Alpha Women’s Specialists are accredited to deliver at hospitals like Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital (MENH), Thomson Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital.
7. Cost and Affordability
Consider the overall costs, including regular obstetrician reviews and delivery packages, when deciding between private and public clinics/hospitals. If you are concerned about the total cost of your pregnancy journey, contact the clinic for a detailed cost breakdown, including medication prices.
After your first consultation, evaluate your experience with the obstetrician, the clinic’s facilities, and the quality of service. Your first visit should be pleasant and comfortable. If you feel uneasy or dissatisfied, consider changing to a different obstetrician. Your pregnancy journey should prioritise comfort, safety, and well-being.
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