Six Questions to Ask When Choosing an OB/GYN

Looking for a new OB/GYN? Laila Al-Marayati, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist with Keck Medicine of USC, shares a few questions to ask before booking your first appointment.

Choosing the right OB/GYN is one of the most sensitive decisions a patient can make. Laila Al-Marayati, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist with Keck Medicine of USC, will be among the first to tell you how crucial it is for an OB/GYN and their patient to have an open, mutually respectful relationship.

Finding an OB/GYN whom you can form a genuine relationship with and who can meet your needs with receptiveness, insight and wisdom is key.

These factors can be tough to gauge before your first appointment, but asking the right questions beforehand can tell you a lot. Below are six questions that may help determine whether a particular OB/GYN is right for you.

Is the doctor dedicated to providing high-quality care regardless of a patient’s demographics, background or values?

Each patient is unique, and it’s important to ensure that a doctor is equipped to provide best-in-class care even if their own background and values differ from their patients’. It’s crucial to make sure a doctor will respect your reproductive decisions, sexual history, sexual orientation, religion (or absence thereof), race, gender identity and even your weight and size. “These are questions you can ask before you even come in for your appointment,” Dr. Al-Marayati says.

How do you feel about a patient’s level of choice when it comes to family planning, labor and other big decisions?

It’s helpful to ask an OB/GYN up front how they approach the decision-making process with their patients. Will the doctor feel comfortable with informing you of your health care options, guiding you — but ultimately respecting your final decisions? “Ask the doctor how they incorporate ‘shared decision-making’ and ‘patient-centered care’ into their practice,” Dr. Al-Marayati advises. “And if they’ve never heard of those terms? Then that could be a red flag.”

Are you part of a comprehensive health system that lets you work directly with providers from other departments?

When your OB/GYN is part of an integrated health system, they’ll have full access to collaborate with your other doctors. And it’s especially important to know that your doctor will have plenty of resources available in case you face an unforeseen complication related to your reproductive health. “The ability to include other doctors optimizes the health care you receive,” Dr. Al-Marayati says. “For instance, an OB/GYN who works with breast cancer specialists, endocrinologists, nutrition counselors, mental health providers, social workers, cardiologists, orthopedic specialists, rheumatologists, radiologists and pathologists has resources to elevate the level of care they provide to patients.”

How do you feel about working with doulas and midwives?

In recent years it’s become increasingly popular to enlist the services of a doula or midwife in addition to an OB/GYN. If you wish to include a doula or midwife in your birth plan, it’s a good idea to make sure your doctor will be fully onboard and ready to collaborate with them. “Doulas and midwives are great sources of support and care for your pregnancy,” Dr. Al-Marayati says. “I’ve worked with midwives and doulas my whole career. They have been shown to make a difference.”

What is your C-section rate?

Does the OB/GYN lean heavily toward performing C-sections as opposed to vaginal deliveries? Basically, “Is the OB/GYN quick to operate?” Dr. Al-Marayati asks. One way to find out is to ask the OB/GYN about their C-section rate — meaning how often they perform C-sections versus vaginal deliveries. The average C-section rate in the United States is around 33%, Dr. Al-Marayati says, whereas an ideal C-section rate ranges from 15%-20%.

How do you support challenges related to menopause symptoms?

Every woman experiences menopause differently, but symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings and insomnia are common. No matter your age, it’s important to know that your doctor will take your symptoms seriously and be ready with options for you. “How individualized is the care the doctor is prepared to provide?” Dr. Al-Marayati asks. “If you’re a new patient coming in for a consult about menopause, how much time will the doctor spend with you discussing your concerns?”

Dr. Al-Marayati offers a final tip for people seeking an OB/GYN: “Understand that finding a good doctor-patient relationship can take time, and not every OB/GYN’s approach, personality and practice philosophy may fit what you’re looking for. Be open to finding the best match for you.”

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