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Questions pregnant women should ask an OB/GYN:
1) Would it ever make sense to induce labor or schedule delivery early?
Sometimes there are medical reasons for inducing delivery, such as when the mother or infant is at risk. However, induction to speed up the process out of convenience can introduce risks for both the mother and baby.
2) When do you think C-sections are necessary?
A C-section is an important option for women with medical conditions, complicated pregnancies, or an at-risk baby. Sometimes doctors schedule C-sections when there is a problem with fetal development.
However, a non-medical C-section introduces unnecessary risk and makes recovery longer and more difficult. A C-section may also have substantially higher out-of-pocket costs, depending on medical coverage.
3) What should be done if spotting, cramps, or nausea occurs?
Find out if the doctor has an after-hours plan for addressing the unexpected. Most OB/GYN practices have doctors on call that can assess symptoms and recommend options. In many cases, an urgent care facility can provide care, but use the emergency room if symptoms are serious or life-threatening.
