Your Five Doctors During Pregnancy 

Congratulations! You just found out you're pregnant, and now you need to find the right maternity doctor. What you may not know is that there are different types of doctors during pregnancy, not just OB/GYNs.  

From regular prenatal checkups to dental visits and eye care, several providers play a crucial role in supporting your health and your baby's development. Here's a guide to five key doctors to see during pregnancy and when to consult them. 

1. Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) 

Consider these your main prenatal care providers. Ob/GYNs are women’s reproductive health specialists and focus solely on women’s health issues, including pregnancy.  

OB Vs GYN 

You’ve likely heard the term OB/GYN before, but let’s break it down. A gynecologist (GYN) focuses on women’s reproductive health outside of pregnancy; think annual well-woman visits, birth control, and menstrual concerns. An obstetrician (OB), on the other hand, specializes in caring for women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. 

Many providers are trained in both areas, which is why most women see an OB/GYN for prenatal care. If you have one you like and trust, it’s usually fine to use them as your primary prenatal care provider. Comfort and continuity matter a lot when you're growing a human. 

OB/GYNs monitor both your general health and your baby’s development throughout pregnancy. They help manage everything from morning sickness to high-risk complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. 

What is the Prenatal appointment schedule​ for each Trimester? 

You’ll likely see your OB/GYN the most during your pregnancy. Here’s the typical prenatal appointment schedule: 

• Weeks 4 to 28: One visit every 4 weeks
• Weeks 28 to 36: One visit every 2 weeks
• Weeks 36 to birth: One visit every week 

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you’ll likely see your maternity doctor more often or have to see a specialist. 

2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) 

Midwives have been supporting women through pregnancy and birth for thousands of years. A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a licensed healthcare provider who specializes in both prenatal and postpartum care.  

So, what does a certified nurse midwife do? CNMs can monitor your pregnancy, deliver your baby, and support your postpartum needs like breastfeeding, emotional health, and infant care. 

When is a CNM The Right Choice For Me? 

If you’re healthy and have a low-risk pregnancy, a CNM might be the perfect fit. Midwives often take a more holistic approach to childbirth, which appeals to women looking for less medicalized experiences. That said, many CNMs work in hospital settings and partner with OB/GYNs and other pregnancy doctors to provide team-based care. If something comes up, they can refer you to a medical doctor. 

CNMs are also excellent for continuity of care, as they can handle prenatal and postnatal care, as well as regular women’s health needs. They’re trained to handle much more than just delivery; they perform prenatal screenings, offer nutritional guidance, and conduct postpartum check-ins. 

3. Perinatologist or Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist 

A Perinatologist, also known as a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Specialist, is an OB/GYN with advanced training in high-risk pregnancies. They specialize in diagnosing and managing pregnancy complications and often perform detailed ultrasounds and fetal monitoring. 

When to See a Perinatologist​ 

Your OB/GYN may refer you to an MFM if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of pregnancy complications, you’re having multiples, or if a concern shows up during a routine scan. Knowing when to see a perinatologist is important because they can provide specialized care to help ensure the healthiest outcome for you and your baby. 

4. Dentist 

The dentist may be the last thing on your mind when you’re pregnant, but good oral health is always a good idea, especially when you’re expecting. Pregnancy can make women more susceptible to cavities and periodontal (gum) disease.  

Why is that? Pregnancy hormones may be the culprit. Additionally, if you suffer from severe morning sickness, it can lead to dental issues. What’s important to know is to maintain regular dental care (at least once every six months) and maintain your dental routine. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and, in extreme cases, can result in preterm birth and low birth weight.  

Why it’s so Important to See a Dentist While Pregnant 

You might not think of a dentist as a prenatal doctor, but dental care is incredibly important during pregnancy. In fact, the CDC reports that between 60-75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease caused by hormonal changes. 

Can you go to the dentist while pregnant? 

Absolutely, and you should continue regular dental care during pregnancy. If you’ve been wondering about the dangers of dental work while pregnant, rest assured: most routine dental care is completely safe, especially during the second trimester. There are even considerations for pregnant women who need dental X-rays. Talk to your dentist and let them know you’re expecting. 

5. Optometrist or Ophthalmologist 

An optometrist, a primary care doctor managing eye and vision health, and an ophthalmologist, a specialist in eye health, including surgery, probably aren’t at the top of your “pregnancy to-do list.”  

However, pregnancy affects nearly every part of your body, including your eyes.  

Common Eye Changes During Pregnancy 

Changes in your hormones can cause temporary vision changes, such as blurry vision, dry eyes, or changes in how your contacts feel. You might also experience puffiness around the eyes due to fluid retention. 

Other symptoms, like light sensitivity or migraines, may also affect your eyesight. If you have a sudden change, or you’re seeing spots or flashes of light, make an appointment with your provider ASAP, as that could indicate an underlying problem like gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related hypertension. 

Most pregnant women don’t need more than a regular exam unless symptoms arise. If you already wear glasses or contacts, or spend a lot of time staring at a screen, we recommend annual visits. 

Tips on Finding Prenatal Doctors Near Me 

Looking for trusted prenatal doctors? You’re not alone. Finding the right maternity care team can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re searching for a midwife, OB/GYN, dentist, or eye doctor, Lodus Health makes it easy. 

Use our online booking platform to search by specialty, location, and availability. With just a few clicks, you can connect with the provider that’s right for you, because taking care of yourself during pregnancy should be stress-free and straightforward.