Have you recently found out that you're pregnant? If so, congratulations! One of the first things you'll want to do after finding out that you're pregnant is to schedule an appointment with an obstetric doctor (OB) who specializes in all things related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Furthermore, as you prepare for that first appointment, there are a few questions you may want to consider writing down so you don't forget to ask them.

Which Hospital(s) Do You Deliver At?

This is actually something you may want to find out about before you even schedule your first appointment with an OB. This is especially true if your health insurance will only be accepted at certain in-network hospitals for labor and delivery. Many OBs are "cleared" to deliver at one or two local hospitals, so be sure to find out what your options are and whether your insurance will cover delivery at these locations before moving forward.

Will You Be There for the Delivery?

There is almost never a guarantee that the OB you see throughout your pregnancy will be the one who is there delivering your baby. However, the smaller the OB practice you visit, the more likely it will be that your OB will be there for the delivery. It's a good idea to ask your OB how many other doctors are available for deliveries at any given time. Ideally, you'd also be given a chance to meet them before your due date.

What Is Your C-Section Rate?

If you're wanting a natural, vaginal birth, you may also want to ask your OB about his or her current C-section rate; this is the percentage of patients who end up needing a C-section instead of a vaginal delivery.

Can You Recommend a Pediatrician?

Almost all OBs will require that you have a pediatrician selected in the weeks leading up to your due date, since this is where your child's first health information will be sent over. It's never too early to start researching pediatricians, and there's a good chance that your OB will be able to recommend several in your area.

Choosing the right OB can help to make your pregnancy and delivery much less stressful, so it's important to select an OB you feel good about. Be sure to take your time getting these questions answered, and don't be afraid of asking too many questions. That's what your OB is there for!