Ob-Gyn vs. Midwife: How to Choose Your Pregnancy Care Provider

Pregnancy is full of many exciting decisions. One of the first—and arguably most important—is choosing your healthcare provider. The choice between a doctor and a midwife will determine many aspects of your prenatal care and will also help inform the kind of birth you have.

Understanding some of the fundamental differences between ob-gyn care and midwife care can help you make your decision. In many ways, the two are similar: Both provide care in the months leading up to birth, during labor and delivery, and in the first few weeks postpartum. The differences are largely around their training, education, philosophy, and time spent with you during labor.

Here’s a closer look at both kinds of care to help you as you make your birthing decisions.