The news that you are going to become a mother brings great joy and a little fear, doesn't it? You must be wondering, 'Which doctor should I go to?', 'Which hospital is the best?' This is a very important decision. Because this decision will determine the care you and your baby will receive throughout your pregnancy. So, don't panic, let's be fully informed about this and make the decision that suits you best.
Who can help you during your pregnancy?
There are various doctors and health professionals who can help you during pregnancy and childbirth. Let's understand them clearly. I will describe the most common and important ones we encounter in Sri Lanka.
| Type of Provider | Description | Who is best suited for? (Best Suited For) |
|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN) | As we all know, VOG doctors are doctors who have received special training in pregnancy, childbirth, and women's health. They are able to manage both normal and high-risk pregnancies, and perform surgical procedures such as cesarean deliveries. | The most suitable and safest option for most people, especially if there are any health risks. |
| Perinatologist | This is a VOG doctor who has received further specialized training in high-risk pregnancies. For example, their services are very important for those over the age of 35, those with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, those who have had complications in previous pregnancies, and those who have some problems with the baby. | Anyone with a high-risk pregnancy. Your VOG doctor will refer you to them if necessary. |
| Family Health Service Officer (Midwife) | They are the backbone of our health system in Sri Lanka. Your local midwife is the one who examines you throughout your pregnancy, runs clinics, and provides you with the necessary advice. They work closely with doctors. Although childbirth takes place in the hospital under the supervision of doctors, their services are essential during pregnancy and after delivery. | For every pregnant mother. If you are in a government hospital, she is your primary coordinator. |
| Family Practitioner (FP) | We are general practitioners, also known as GPs. Although some family doctors take care of low-risk pregnancies, the usual practice in Sri Lanka is to refer you to a VOG once the pregnancy is confirmed. If there are any complications, they will refer you to a VOG. | Although suitable for those without any health risks, it is safer to seek the supervision of a VOG. |
The most important thing is that you are able to build good communication and trust with the doctor you choose. It is very important to have someone you can ask any questions or concerns you have without hesitation.
How do you choose the right doctor for you?
Okay, now we know about the different professionals. Now how do you choose the right one for you from these people?
First, you need to consider your health risks . If you have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, are over 35, or have had problems with previous pregnancies, you should definitely seek treatment from an obstetrician-gynecologist (OG) or, if necessary, a perinatologist. If there are no risks, you can discuss it with a OG and proceed.
You can ask these questions before you go to see a doctor, or at your first appointment. These are your rights.
- How long have you worked as a specialist?
- What are your general views on childbirth ? (e.g., do you encourage vaginal birth? What are your views on cesarean sections?)
- What is the average rate of cesarean deliveries under your care?
- Do you work in a group practice? If so, who will come in my place if you are unable to be there during my delivery? Can I meet those doctors as well?
- Who should I call if I have a question? Who will answer it?
- Are you around the due date for my baby's birth?
- Will I be given the opportunity to submit a birth plan that includes my wishes regarding my delivery? (Of course, I know that in an emergency, the doctor will decide what is best for my safety and that of my baby.)
- What is your policy on inducing labor if the due date is past?
Let's choose a place to have the baby.
Another important thing to consider when choosing a doctor is the hospital where you will deliver your baby. Usually, the VOG doctor you choose only works at a few specific government or private hospitals . Therefore, when choosing a doctor, you also need to consider the hospital where he or she is located.
Things to consider when choosing a hospital
Do some research on the hospitals where your doctor works, or on any hospital you like. If possible, visit one day and come check it out.
- Facilities: Is an anesthesiologist available 24 hours a day to administer epidurals, or is he available on call? This is very important in an emergency.
- Emergencies : Are obstetricians and gynecologists on duty 24 hours a day?
- NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit): Is there a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for newborns in case they develop any complications? This is a very important point.
- Room facilities: Will you allow the baby to stay in your room (rooming-in) after the baby is born, or will you keep the baby in the nursery? Can you leave the baby in the nursery for a while to rest if you need to?
- Can the wife/husband stay?: Will the husband be allowed to stay with you during and after the delivery? Will they be allowed to go to the operating room if a caesarean section is being performed? Are there facilities for staying overnight?
- Nursing staff: Are there enough nurses in relation to patients?
- Breastfeeding support: Is there a specially trained person (Lactation Consultant) to provide breastfeeding advice?
- Others: How many other people can you have with you during the birth? Can you have other children come?
Let's learn about other options too.
- Birthing Centers: These are places designed for low-risk births in a home-like environment rather than a hospital. These are not very common in Sri Lanka.
- Home Births: Although this is done in some countries of the world, doctors in Sri Lanka do not approve of this. The reason is very simple. Life-threatening complications can occur at an unimaginable speed during childbirth. At that time, it can be very late to go from home to a hospital. Therefore, the safest place is a hospital with all the necessary facilities .
Your pregnancy is a special time in your life. So it's important for you and your baby to have the best support possible. Talk to your doctor about everything.
Take-Home Message
- Your pregnancy journey is unique to you, so choose a doctor and hospital where you feel most comfortable, safe, and confident.
- Never be afraid to ask your doctor questions. It is your right to know all the information.
- If you have any health risks (such as diabetes, high blood pressure), definitely choose a hospital with a specialist doctor (VOG) and emergency care facilities such as the NICU.
- When making all these decisions, discuss them with your partner and make decisions with mutual agreement. Talking openly with your doctor can resolve many problems.
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