Choosing a Pregnancy Provider

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One of the most important decisions you’ll make after finding out you’re pregnant is who will take care of you during your pregnancy and birth.

You may already have a provider in mind. But if you don’t, we can help you explore the different kinds of maternity providers – and what to consider when choosing a provider.

It’s important to choose an experienced, respected provider who will listen to all your questions and concerns. Being heard will help you build a trusting relationship. And establishing trust can help you feel more confident and secure throughout your pregnancy and delivery.

Different Types of Pregnancy Providers

Depending on your preferences and needs, you may choose one of the following types of pregnancy providers:

  • Ob/Gyn: An obstetrician-gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) is a medical doctor who has special training in reproductive systems and maternity care. Ob/Gyns are trained in birth interventions like C-sections and can work with higher-risk pregnancies.
  • Certified nurse midwife (CNM): A CNM is a registered nurse with a master’s degree and additional training in pregnancy care and delivering babies. Midwives primarily work with healthy, low-risk pregnancies. When needed, CNMs can work with Ob/Gyns to get additional care.
  • Maternal-fetal medicine doctor (MFM): If you have a complicated pregnancy, you may be referred to an MFM, also called a perinatologist. MFM doctors are Ob/Gyns with additional training in high-risk pregnancies. They often partner with your Ob/Gyn or midwife.

In addition to one of these healthcare providers, you may also choose to have a doula. Doulas are professionals trained in childbirth and labor support. You can also search for doulas near you and learn more about them at doula match or DONA.org.

Learn more about what to expect from prenatal visits 

Considerations When Choosing A Pregnancy Provider

It’s common to have lots of questions when you’re figuring out who will take care of you and your growing baby.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a pregnancy provider.

  • Recommendations from friends. Ask your friends about their experiences with their pregnancy providers – so you can see how well their experience matches your needs and wants in a provider.
  • Insurance. For the lowest out-of-pocket cost during pregnancy and birth, make sure your doctor or midwife is an in-network provider. You can filter by “insurance accepted” on our pregnancy provider list. But it’s always a good idea to also call your insurance company and double-check.
  • Location, gender of the provider and languages spoken. You can also filter on location, gender and languages spoken on our pregnancy provider list.
  • Care and birth philosophy. Ask about your provider’s philosophy about birth interventions, inductions, fetal monitoring and pain management. Then, compare it to your own preferences.
  • Schedule. If it’s very important for you to have your provider there for your birth, check on any vacation plans or leaves of absence that they may have around your due date. But also remember that you may have to be flexible about who delivers your baby – because no provider is available 24/7.

  • Group practice. Find out if your potential provider is part of a group of doctors or midwives that cover for them if they’re not available.

Where To Find a Doctor or Midwife Who Delivers at Overlake

Many experienced, respected pregnancy providers choose to deliver at Overlake’s Childbirth Center and practice at one of these clinics on the Eastside.

Clinics in Bellevue

Clinics in Kirkland

  • Unified Center for Women's Health  |  Phone: (425) 899-4455
    12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE, Suite 102, Kirkland, WA 98034 

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