There are different types of doctors that are medically trained to deliver your baby when the time comes. These types include family practitioners, Obstetrician Gynecologist (OB-GYNs), and maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Family practitioners mostly care for women with low risk pregnancies. Some women prefer their family practitioner because of the continuity of care. A family practitioner knows your history and has previously treated is an advantage.
OB-GYNs can provide specialized care that may not be available from non-obstetric specialists. These specialist doctors are equipped to deal with the entire range of pregnancies, from uncomplicated, low-risk deliveries to many kinds of high-risk deliveries. You should find a board-certified OB-GYN to handle your pregnancy if your doctor determines that it’s high-risk. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists offer specialized care for pregnant women and their fetuses.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are trained to deal with the highest risk pregnancies. They are trained to help when pregnancies are not routine. These cases include twins or multiple births, preeclampsia, chronic health problems, and a fetus with abnormal growth. Since the extensive training they go through is required, Maternal-fetus medicine specialists are limited.