Many factors get into deciding on the best OB/GYN to manage your pregnancy and delivery. The best doctor will not only meet various practical needs but is ideally an individual you trust and understand. For a lot of women that can mean choosing a female OB/GYN.

A 2023 study showed varying gender preferences if this came to choosing an OB/GYN, with 8.4 % from the women questioned preferring men doctor, 53.2 percent preferring a lady doctor, and 38.Five percent having no gender preference.  While 38.5 percent was without a gender preference, most did not prefer a male doctor.

Male doctors only have managed pregnancy and birth for any relatively short period ever. As far back as ancient Egypt, women’s gynecological exams were performed exclusively by women while births were attended by midwives. That remained standard until the early 1800s, when medical advances resulted in doctors managing pregnancy and birth. Since women couldn't attend medical school, the doctors were men, although male doctors were often accompanied by a female assistant.

Today, 58 percent of all medical students are female, with females comprising about 80 % of all OB/GYN residents. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology predicts that in a decade, sixty-six per cent of OB/GYN doctors will be women.

There are a few reasons that a woman might prefer to possess a female OB/GYN run a pregnancy and delivery. First,  a lady may think that a female doctor shares some experiences together with her and may better understand how she might feel in a few instances. Some women may also feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about the prospect of being examined with a male doctor.

That preference isn't necessarily going to increase the risk for choice of a female OB/GYN. Research published within the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine discovered that although women might start the choice process with a preference for a female OB/GYN, gender wasn't the main priority for making a final decision.

Whatever gender preference you begin the selection process with, it’s smart to meet several doctors prior to making your final decision. Each doctor is definitely an individual along with a patient may find it easier to relate to one doctor than to another. Also, no matter gender, a doctor may have views about pregnancy and childbirth that don’t align with yours.

Before scheduling your first pregnancy exam, make consultation appointments using the doctors you are considering. If you want, bring a friend or member of the family along. Note whether you feel comfortable speaking with a doctor, whether the doctor shares your views about pregnancy and birth, and whether your doctor takes your concerns seriously. Consultations can help you determine what you would like in a doctor. If you’re determined to hire a female OB/GYN and only interview women, you'll probably still like the views of one doctor over the ones from another.

Here are some considerations that will help you decide which doctor is right for you.

1. Is your doctor’s office easy to your projects and home? Visits become more frequent like a pregnancy progresses.
2. Do work hours fully trust your schedule?
3. When are you able to call your physician and how can he be reached for emergencies?
4. Is the doctor included in your insurance?
5. Does the doctor have all the required qualifications? Is he or she experienced, knowledgeable, competent? OB/GYNs must pass a test administered through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology to be board certified.
6. Which hospitals does your physician have admitting privileges with?
7. What are the doctor’s views on childbirth and pregnancy? How good do those views match your personal? For example, ask about your doctor’s criteria for performing a C-section. So how exactly does your physician feel about subjects for example breastfeeding or circumcision.
8. Will your physician be available around the time of the delivery? If the doctor isn't available, who'll deliver your child?
9. Do you are feeling comfortable talking to the doctor? Do you feel comfortable sharing your concerns. Will the doctor listen and seem to honor your concerns?
10. Does your doctor explain things in a way you understand? A Search shouldn't be required after your physician offers an explanation.

Research has not demonstrated any improvement in the caliber of care provided by male and female OB/GYNs, but if you feel at ease with a lady doctor, there are plenty to choose from.