Choosing a Care Provider

There are a lot of options for choosing a childbirth provider. At Swedish, you can either see a family physician, OB/GYN or certified nurse-midwife. Your health-care provider plays a central role in your health and well-being, which is why it is vital to do some legwork before your first visit.

Here is some information on the different types of providers:

OB/GYN

OB/GYNs are specialists in every aspect of women's health, focusing primarily on gynecological issues, breast health, prenatal care and childbirth. Some women choose to use their OB/GYN as their primary-care physician. To help you make the most of your search, consider what qualities are important to you and what type of pregnancy and delivery you want.

Family Physician w/OB

In addition to offering a wide array of medical services for the entire family, family physicians who specialize in obstetrics provide a full range of care for moms-to-be. When you choose a family doctor for your OB care, you are enlisting a single doctor who not only can guide you through your pregnancy, but who can care for your baby and other family members throughout their lives.

Certified Nurse-Midwife

The certified nurse-midwives at Swedish/Ballard not only provide pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care, but they also provide a full spectrum of women's health care — caring for every stage of life, from teens to seniors.