The Difference Between Midwives and OB/GYNs: What to Expect and Consider During Pregnancy

What to expect with a Midwife?

Women may choose a midwife over a doctor because they want additional emotional support before, during, and after delivery. A midwife will get to know you, your family and your preferences over the course of your pregnancy. Because midwives are actively involved in the preparation of the delivery, you may be more relaxed and comfortable when your due date arrives.

While many midwives are advocates for natural childbirth, a common myth is that they will not give a woman pain medications during labor. Midwives can prescribe medications and provide an epidural for pain relief if that is your preference during labor. 

All nurse midwives are trained to recognize problems that might occur during pregnancy and delivery. If, during your labor, you become high-risk or emergency surgery is necessary, they will call in an OB/GYN as a backup. Your midwife can still stay by your side and may be able to assist with the delivery.

What to expect with an OB/GYN?

If you decide to have a doctor deliver your baby you’ll experience a more routine approach. On the delivery day you can expect nurses to be with you, constantly monitoring you and your infant’s progress and health. Doctors in hospitals may have more than one patient and will check in on you periodically to see how your labor is progressing. They will also be there for the delivery. 

What else should I consider?

If your pregnancy isn’t high-risk, consider the following questions when trying to decide what provider would be right for you:

• Where do you want to have your baby?
• OB/GYNs almost always deliver babies in hospitals. Midwives may work in hospitals, birthing centers, or maybe even your home.
• What is your approach to birth?
• Midwives tend to offer more hands-on support during labor. They tend to favor more natural approaches to pain management and labor management
• OB/GYNs may be working with multiple patients at once so they can’t necessarily offer as much one on one coaching or emotional support.
• Do you plan on a vaginal birth or a C-Section?
• Midwives can’t perform c-sections, though they may be able to help a doctor perform one.

AbbaCare is a pregnancy resource center serving women and families facing pregnancies that are unexpected or unexpectedly difficult. To learn more about our free, confidential services, visit abbacare.org.