How to find a gynaecologist in India?
So, you have just found out that you are pregnant or maybe you are planning a family soon. What is the main concern at this critical point in your life? For most women, the answer would be to find a good gynaecologist. A gynaecologist who is certified to deliver babies is known as an obstetrician and usually referred to as Ob-gyno. You may be visiting a gynaecologist before you are pregnant, but you need to look for an obstetrician once you find that you are pregnant.
Finding the right gynaecologist is critical as she is going to be the one who is going to hand-hold you and lead you towards a healthy and happy delivery. If you are in a new city and do not know many people and doctors, this process can become a real challenge. Here are a few points that will mhelp you in how to find a gynaecologist.
Reputation of the Gynaecologist
It is important to do some research before selecting a gynaecologist. It can be done by talking to friends and family and research on the internet. Verify the doctors background, which hospital the doctor is associated with and check out the feedback of the hospital too, as that’s where your baby is going to be delivered.
How involved is gynaecologist with the patient and how does s/he deals with emergency calls?
This is another important point to keep in mind. You do not want a gynaecologist who is short-tempered and not patient enough. You would ideally want a doctor who will be willing to answer your questions and take our calls, especially if you are a first-time parent.
You can also check who will attend to you in case the regular gynaecologist is unavailable due to any reason. The reason hospitals are a better bet rather than independent clinics as they make arrangements for substitute doctors.
What are the gynaecologist’s charges/ How expensive is the treatment going to be?
This might also be an important factor, as you would like to check the expected expenses. Check if insurance company covers those costs.
Reputation of the hospital
Check if the hospital that your gynaecologist is associated with provides help and classes related to diet, exercise and changes during pregnancy. Antenatal classes can answer all your questions and put you at ease.
Check if the hospital has a team of gynaecologists who can attend patients of another doctor in case he or she is not available.
Also, check if the team of nurses is skilled and empathetic as that is going to be crucial for post-delivery care.
How far is the hospital/ clinic of the gynaecologist from your place?
Check if the hospital is at a reasonable distance from your home. Pregnancy is a critical phase in a woman’s life, and there can be emergencies. The hospital or the clinic should be at a distance where you can reach promptly in case of an emergency.
Even otherwise, travelling can be a nightmare during pregnancy, and you do not want be stuck in a car for long durations which can cause nausea.
Gender of the gynaecologist
Although this may not matter to some, some pregnant women may have reservations about a male gynaecologist or might be more comfortable with a female doctor, so you must keep this in mind too.
Track record of the gynaecologist/ hospital, ifs/he prefer Vaginal birth or C-section birth?
One of the most common concerns that expectant parents have is whether the doctor prefers vaginal birth or caesarean birth. We all have heard horror stories about doctors, even the reputed ones who suggest C-section to their patients even if there are no complications.
The reasons for C-section surgeries range from wanting the baby to be born on a particular date to wanting to avoid pain and so on. I am by no means belittling mothers who have had C-section surgeries. I am one myself, so I also know that other than being way more expensive, it also involves a major surgery. I would have preferred a normal birth.
So ask around, find out if the gynecologist prefers natural birth or caesarean section. You can check the rate of normal deliveries to caesarean deliveries of a hospital. For example, the rate of caesarean deliveries in Sitaram Bhartia Institute for Science and Research is as low as 18%. If the rate is as high as 50%, you might need to be concerned.
So, keep these points in mind, and you will surely be able to find a Ob-gynaecologist, who is perfect for you and makes this beautiful journey a happy one for you.
Very helpful article and tips.