Choosing Your Pregnancy Care Team
Pregnancy is a deeply personal journey, and the care provider you choose plays a major role in your experience. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to work with an OB-GYN (doctor) or a midwife. Both options come with unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your health, preferences, and birth plan. Let’s explore the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
What’s the Difference Between a Doctor and a Midwife?
Doctors (OB-GYNs)
Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs) are medical doctors specializing in pregnancy, labor, and women’s health. They’re trained to manage both routine and high-risk pregnancies and are equipped to perform medical interventions like cesarean sections or forceps deliveries.
Midwives
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are healthcare professionals trained in pregnancy and childbirth with a focus on low-risk, natural pregnancies. They emphasize a holistic and personalized approach, offering emotional and physical support during labor. Midwives work in hospitals, birthing centers, and even at home.
How to Decide: Key Factors to Consider
1. Your Health and Pregnancy Risk Level
- Choose a Doctor (OB-GYN): If you have a high-risk pregnancy due to medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or a history of preterm labor, a doctor is better equipped to handle complications.
- Choose a Midwife: For low-risk pregnancies, midwives can provide comprehensive care and are trained to monitor and address issues if they arise.
2. Your Birth Preferences
- Doctors: OB-GYNs are more likely to use interventions like epidurals, inductions, or C-sections when needed. If you’re planning a hospital birth and want access to these options, a doctor may be a good fit.
- Midwives: Midwives often advocate for natural childbirth and minimize interventions. If you prefer a more hands-off approach and are considering a water birth or home birth, a midwife could align with your goals.
3. Location of Birth
- Doctors: If you prefer or require a hospital setting, an OB-GYN will be your provider.
- Midwives: Midwives can attend births in hospitals, birthing centers, or at home, depending on your preferences and risk factors.
4. Level of Personalized Care
- Midwives: Known for providing a more personal, holistic approach, midwives often spend extra time discussing your emotions, preferences, and concerns.
- Doctors: OB-GYNs may have shorter appointments due to larger patient loads but are highly knowledgeable and efficient, especially in medical care.
5. Emergency Preparedness
- Doctors: If complications arise, an OB-GYN can immediately address emergencies like fetal distress or excessive bleeding.
- Midwives: For emergencies during midwife-led births, they’ll transfer you to a hospital or collaborate with an OB-GYN to ensure you and your baby are safe.
Can You Have Both?
Yes! Many women choose a collaborative care model, where they see both an OB-GYN and a midwife. For example, you might work with a midwife throughout your pregnancy and labor but have an OB-GYN available if complications arise.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Provider
- What is your approach to prenatal care and labor?
- How do you handle high-risk pregnancies or emergencies?
- Are you open to my preferred birth plan (e.g., natural labor, epidural, etc.)?
- What is your policy on inductions and C-sections?
- If working with a midwife, what is your transfer plan for emergencies?
Pros and Cons of Each Provider
OB-GYN Pros:
- Trained for high-risk pregnancies and complications.
- Access to advanced medical procedures and pain relief options.
- Care is always in a hospital setting.
OB-GYN Cons:
- Less focus on holistic, personalized care.
- Higher likelihood of medical interventions, even in low-risk pregnancies.
Midwife Pros:
- Emphasis on natural, patient-centered care.
- More time spent with you during prenatal visits and labor.
- Multiple birth setting options: hospital, birthing center, or home.
Midwife Cons:
- Not ideal for high-risk pregnancies or complicated deliveries.
- May require transfer to a doctor in case of emergencies.
Your Choice, Your Experience
The decision between a doctor and a midwife ultimately depends on your health, comfort level, and vision for your birth experience. Both providers are dedicated to helping you bring your baby into the world safely. Whether you prefer the expertise of a doctor, the personalized approach of a midwife, or a combination of both, you’re on the right path to a healthy and happy pregnancy.

Content Reviewed by Dr V.
Learn MoreDr. Vaheh Shirvanian, a family medicine physician and father. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in inpatient acute hospital care, outpatient family medicine, urgent care, emergency medicine, and hospice care. Dr. V is passionate about guiding new parents through the challenges and joys of parenthood, offering compassionate and expert support at every step.