You happily look at two pink lines on a piece of white stick and know exactly what that means. Congratulations! You are pregnant and the adventure has just begun! Before you go fretting about baby stuff, do the first important step after getting pregnant – going to an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) for a prenatal check-up.
More than this, whether you require care for menopausal symptoms, guidance on birth control, prenatal care, or a preventive screening, you need an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) who can adjust to your changing needs. in addition, a good match for you.
How to choose a gynecologist for pregnancy?
There are particular signs, according to Dr. Donnica, that show a woman needs to see an OB-GYN. Visit an OB/GYN on:
- The first year after turning 18 or the first anniversary of the first time a person had sex.
- When considering becoming pregnant, do a preconception counseling session.
- As early as feasible in the pregnancy.
- Whenever you have any unusual indications or symptoms in your breasts, vagina, lower abdomen, urinary system, period or PMS troubles, hormonal concerns, need for contraception, etc.
How to choose a gynecologist: How do I know who I need?
The female reproductive system is the focus of a gynecologist's training, whereas obstetricians deal with pregnancies and childbirth.
We frequently hear the two words combined as OB-GYN since many of these doctors are qualified and educated in both professions and can address your routine queries about birth control, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy issues.
An OB-GYN may decide to concentrate on a number of illnesses, such as maternal-fetal medicine or high-risk pregnancies. Other OB-GYNs may work as reproductive endocrinologists who deal with infertility situations or as gynecologic oncologists who treat cancer in women.
You should therefore seek out a doctor who specializes in your particular condition.
Questions to ask yourself: How to choose a gynecologist?
When shopping around for an OB/GYN, it’s also helpful to list down your needs and what you expect from your doctor. We came up with some questions that can help you land an OB/GYN to guide you through the next nine most adventurous months of your life:
Are you asking friends and family for recommendations?
This will give you more insight and help trim down your OB/GYN options as you get a first-hand account of your female friends’ and relatives’ experiences. Getting recommendations from someone you know may start off on a good note for you and your doctor.
Chloe, 30, says that she found her OB/GYN through the recommendation of her mother-in-law. “The fact that this OB/GYN and my mom-in-law go way back, she didn’t bother charging me every time I went for a check-up!”
Do you prefer a male or female OB/GYN?
Most women prefer a female OB/GYN for the sake of comfort, but male doctors are just as reliable and skilled. Whichever you prefer, what’s important is your level of comfort and security with your doctor.
Is your OB/GYN covered by your health insurance or HMO?
If you wish to save on some fees, you may want to check which OB/GYN doctors are covered by your insurance. You may go to the HMO section of the hospital to check which doctors qualify, or check directly with the OB/GYN.
Which hospital do you want to give birth in?
It is also essential to find an accessible hospital. So you can easily go when D-day comes or should an emergency arise. You can look through the OB/GYN doctors that practice in that hospital so you easily hit two birds with one stone.
Do you want an OB/GYN that answers to a specific pregnancy need?
If you have a particular need you want to be addressed, you may want to look for an OB/GYN with a certain specialty. Monica, 30, had a hard time getting pregnant, which made her search for an OB/GYN seem futile.
“I met with five OB/GYN doctors before I finally settled with my current OB,” Monica shares. “I had fertility issues and she was the only doctor who made me feel that mine was not a hopeless case, and my problems were not as big as I thought they were.” Monica is now a mom to a one-year-old boy, and is currently on the way with her second.
Can you rely on your OB/GYN in case of emergencies?
You can never tell when an emergency strikes. This is why you should find an OB/GYN that you can depend on anytime. Angela, 30, shares why she switched OB/GYN even when she was seeing one of the most recommended doctors.
“My first didn’t bother answering my calls and texts when I thought I had acquired German measles during pregnancy. I was panicking and she never got back to me,” Angela said. “It turned out to be a false alarm, but I knew then that I had to change doctors.”
What does your gut tell you?
This is one relationship that’s worth investing in as your OB/GYN will be responsible for you and more importantly, your baby’s health and safety. Always trust your instincts and what your gut tells you.
How to choose a gynecologist: List of gynecologists in the Philippines
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that young women see a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15. No matter your age, if you don't already have a doctor managing your reproductive care, you should acquire one.
Here’s a list of gynecologists Philippines that you can look into.
Gynecologist check-up costs in the Philippines
Health insurance and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are often unable or unwilling to pay for prenatal checkups. Therefore you would have to accept the consultation fee of approximately P500. Between 10 and 12 consultations will take place.