Baby on the brain?

In the upcoming posts, I will share some insights about maternal health as well as ways for you to advocate for yourself in the medical world.

Today, we are going to start with pre-conception.

Pre-conception is a special time for many people- it is the moment a decision is made to have a child, and, for some, it’s the time couples are actively trying to conceive.

Many people have not heard of this stage; in fact, having a baby is such a personal and intimate decision that is makes sense that most of us may not realize that there are few important things to consider. In this pre-conception stage, there are benefits to having a formal discussion and evaluation with a doctor and/or midwife- the most important one is potentially avoiding life-threatening complications that affect too many black women before, during, and after pregnancy.

Below is short list of the types of health professionals you can see if you are thinking of becoming pregnant soon. This is not an exhaustive list; there are other professionals as well (such as doulas) are an essential part of your team. For now, however, I will just focus on the 3 more common health professionals. Take a moment to read through to learn about which option may best serve you during this time.

• OB/GYN (also known as Obstetrician/Gynecologist): These are licensed medical doctors with training for at least 4 years who specialize in caring for women during all stages of life (including pregnancy). They have skills to navigate both simple and much more complex pregnancies regardless of the stage a patient is in. They are able perform specialized procedures, including C-sections, and are more often the type of provider you will find in a hospital delivering babies both vaginal and cesarean.

• Family Medicine Doctor (also known as a primary care doctor): These are licensed doctors with at least 3 years of training in caring for patients of all ages (from birth to end-of-life). Those qualified to care for pregnant women have additional specialized training in women’s health (including maternal health), and typically manage uncomplicated and some complicated pregnancies. In some areas, you may also find family medicine doctors performing both vaginal deliveries and C-sections in the hospital.

• Midwife: These are licensed professionals specializing in maternal health who are well trained to care for both uncomplicated and come complex pregnancies. They can work in variety of spaces- such as clinics, hospitals, birthing centers, and at patients’ homes- and are also qualified to perform vaginal deliveries. Data has also shown that pregnancy outcomes for mothers are better when a midwife is involved in mother’s care in some capacity.

Deciding on whether to have a baby is full of complex layers with often very beautiful rewards. It is a personal choice, and a crucial part of that journey is taking the time to be the healthiest version of yourself and plan how to care for both you and your new addition to the family. If that is the journey you are on, I encourage you to reach out to a specialist most in line with what your need to know how to best move forward.