There are a few options available when it comes to Women’s Health Providers. In some areas, the possibilities are few and far between, and they are unheard of in others.
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNP) are advanced practice registered nurses specializing in Women’s Health. They are considered Primary Care Providers who focus on gynecologic, obstetrics, and family planning. One of the main differences between CNMs and WHNPs is that CNMs can also deliver babies.
An Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) is a doctor who specializes in Women’s Health. Obstetricians focus on pregnancy, whereas gynecologists concentrate on the female reproductive system. A Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist is an expert in high-risk pregnancies.
Certified Nurse-Midwives are experts in providing care for low-risk normal pregnancies. Their care tends to be more holistic, individualized, and patient-centered. In some organizations, CNMs and OB/GYNs work closely together to provide safe, high-quality care for birthing persons who present with pre-existing conditions or other factors that can complicate the pregnancy.
Medical conditions that can contribute to a complicated pregnancy may include but are not limited to high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, obesity, twin gestation, or previous pregnancy issues.
When choosing your provider, you should consider the following questions?
Do you have health problems?
Is a vaginal birth of high importance to you?
Do you want your provider near you while you labor?
What do your instincts tell you?
Midwives are often more attentive throughout pregnancy than OB/GYNs. Studies have shown that midwives are linked to higher rates of physiologic birth and fewer adverse neonatal outcomes.
References
Vedam, Saraswathi, et al. “Mapping Integration of Midwives across the United States: Impact on Access, Equity, and Outcomes.” PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0192523.
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