Choosing an Obstetrician

Whether you're pregnant or planning on expanding your family, you need a qualified, caring obstetrician (OB) you can trust.

At Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, our obstetricians are highly trained and committed to guiding you through a positive pregnancy and birth experience. We know you have a choice when it comes to your healthcare, and it would be an honor to care for you during this special time in your life. Below are some guidelines for choosing an obstetrician.

Choosing an OB

Selecting an obstetrician is one of the most important decisions you'll make for you and your baby. You may want to start by determining which qualities in an obstetrician are important to you. You'll also want to ask about their qualifications and background:

• Where did they attend medical school and complete their residency?
• How long have they been in practice?
• What languages do they speak?
• Are they certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology?

To learn more about Kelsey-Seybold's obstetricians, view their online profiles.

Tips for Starting a Family

Just as you would plan for any important event in your life, you need to take special steps to prepare for your pregnancy. Here are some guidelines:

Get a physical - A woman preparing for pregnancy should visit her primary care doctor for a physical exam to establish whether she has any chronic medical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, or hypothyroidism.

Take your vitamins - A mom-to-be should begin taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy. This includes at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. Folic acid helps to decrease the chance of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Update your immunizations - Women planning for pregnancy should make sure they are current on their measles/mumps/rubella and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines, and discuss hepatitis A and B immunizations with their doctors. An influenza shot is needed during flu season and a tetanus-diphtheria booster is required every 10 years.

Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly - Maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercising daily are important to maintaining your overall health during pregnancy.

To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold obstetrician, call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0427.