Making the Right Choice: OB/GYN or Midwife for Your Pregnancy Journey

When pregnant women seek medical care, they are faced with two main choices: midwives and OB/GYNs. Both can provide competent, compassionate care. Which should you pick? Learn more about these professions to pick which aligns most closely with your needs and desires for pregnancy care, labor, and delivery.

Education & Expertise

One main difference is the types of training these professionals must have in order to become certified. OB/GYNs are medical doctors, which means they attend medical school and then complete 4 years of residency in which they specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), on the other hand, are nurses. They attend nursing school and then complete a graduate degree in midwifery. 

Because OB/GYNs are medical doctors, they can perform surgical procedures such as C-sections. CNM are not trained in those surgical procedures but have a strong foundation in non-surgical care and holistic treatment. Midwives are well-equipped to handle standard, low risk labors and deliveries, and often work with an OB/GYN to whom they can refer any patient who shows signs of needing surgical interventions. 

Distinguishing Approach: Emotional Support and Care Management

Midwives are known for providing extensive emotional support throughout the entire pregnancy journey, from prenatal care to postpartum support. Because pregnancy can be challenging both physically and emotionally, it can be very helpful to have a provider focused not just on health and risk, but also comfort and emotional safety. Midwives are also trained more specifically on comfort during labor, and can assist directly with non-medical interventions such as the mother’s physical positions as labor progresses. Due to their expertise in these matters, women who are interested in natural childbirth often prefer midwife care, though many women under midwife care often opt for epidurals or other sorts of pain relief. 

OB/GYNs are trained in surgical interventions, and are licensed to perform c-sections. Many consider OB/GYN care to be standard for pregnant women. OB/GYNs usually have a slightly more hands-off approach, allowing the pregnant woman and her support person (or support people) time together and visiting the room to check in and to perform procedures. OB/GYNs are recommended if a pregnancy has complications that require more medical monitoring and testing, due to their expertise. 

Services Offered: Understanding the Scope of Care

Both OB/GYNs and midwives provide a comprehensive array of services, including family planning, prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. Additionally, they both offer services related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's important to note that midwives primarily handle low-risk pregnancies, while high-risk pregnancies typically require the specialized care of an OB/GYN. When considering the type of care you need, understanding the risks associated with your specific pregnancy is crucial in making the right choice. If a C-section is required for your delivery, an OB/GYN is the only option. 

OB/GYN or Midwife: which one for you? 

At PSC Carroll County, we understand the significance of prioritizing your health and empowering you to choose your healthcare provider. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you throughout your pregnancy journey. We hope this quick guide has helped you understand the difference between midwives and OB/GYNs. If you have further questions, make an appointment to talk to our team here!