Rates of Congenital Syphilis During Pregnancy
SEP 04, 2024Alarming increases in the rates of congenital syphilis over the past five years has prompted a change in practice amongst providers to increase screening.
Read MoreYou took the test and the results were positive. Congratulations! You’re pregnant. There are so many emotions that come with the realization that you will expand your family. And there are also so many questions. Will I have a girl or a boy? Do I want to deliver in a hospital or a birth center? Do I want a natural birth or an epidural? Another important question is deciding who will care for you during your pregnancy and your birth. You know that you want a trusted, reliable, skilled provider who can help you navigate your pregnancy and delivery with care and compassion. This is a very personal decision to make. Do you know your options? Should you choose a OB/GYN doctor or a midwife?
Midwives and doctors do have many similarities when it comes to caring for women.
Midwives and doctors strive to give you the best experience. At CHI Health our midwives and maternity care doctors strive to provide your care your way. That means we all want to help you have the pregnancy care and child birthing experience you’re hoping for, regardless of who you choose as your provider.
Doctors and midwives have different credentials and educational backgrounds. Most doctors are medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathy (DO). An obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) is a medical doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health, as well as pregnancy care and delivering babies. They’re also surgically trained and can perform cesarean sections when necessary. OB/GYNs complete four years of medical school and a four-year residency program. Family Medicine doctors specialize in comprehensive health care for people of all ages. They care for you during your pregnancy, your delivery, and can also take care of your baby after it’s delivered. Some family medicine doctors can do extra procedures such as a vacuum extractions or cesarean sections. They complete four years of medical school as well as a three-year residency program.
Just like OB/GYNs, midwives can provide a broad range of women’s health services such as annual checkups, family planning, and menopause care. But pregnancy, birth and postpartum care is what they’re most widely known for. They work closely with the rest of your health care team (e.g. OB/GYN or family doctor) to meet your needs during your pregnancy. Many women continue to use their midwives for care after their delivery, too. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses (RNs) who have master’s or doctorate degrees in nursing. They are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and licensed by the state. There are other types of midwives in the United States, however, all the midwives at CHI are CNMs.
The greatest difference between doctors and midwives is that they have different birthing specialties. Depending on your needs, certain specialized care may be required for you and your baby’s health and safety. And depending on your preferences, you may be looking for someone who has specific experience. Here are a few examples:
Research demonstrates that midwife-led models of care lead to less epidurals, less use of forceps or vacuum, less preterm birth, and an increase in spontaneous vaginal birth. This model also utilizes less artificial breaking of the bag of waters in labor, less episiotomy, and increased patient satisfaction (Sandall et al, 2016).
So, what should you consider when choosing between a doctor or midwife for pregnancy care? This is a very personal decision. Your goals, preferences, and health and safety should all be top of mind. Here are some things to consider as you weigh your options.
Visit us online for more information on CHI Health Maternity Care and Midwifery.
Resources:
Sandall J, Soltani H, Gates S, Shennan A, Devane D. Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD004667. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004667.pub5. Accessed 11 February 2021.
Alarming increases in the rates of congenital syphilis over the past five years has prompted a change in practice amongst providers to increase screening.
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