One of the first big decisions of pregnancy is who you want by your side through it: an obstetrician, a certified nurse midwife, or some combination of both. As a midwife who works alongside physicians every day, I get this question constantly. The truth is, there’s no universally “right” answer — just the right fit for your pregnancy and your preferences.
What an OB brings
Obstetrician-gynecologists are physicians trained to manage the full range of pregnancy, including complications, surgical delivery, and higher-risk conditions. If you have a pre-existing health condition, a history of pregnancy complications, or develop a complication during pregnancy, an OB’s medical training becomes essential. OBs can also perform cesarean deliveries and manage emergencies directly.
What a midwife brings
Certified nurse midwives are advanced practice nurses with specialized training in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, particularly for low-risk pregnancies. Midwifery care tends to emphasize education, shared decision-making, and a lower-intervention approach when medically appropriate — longer appointment times, more discussion of comfort measures, and a strong focus on the normalcy of birth. Midwives collaborate closely with physicians and refer or transfer care immediately if risk factors emerge.
You don't have to choose just one
At Bloom, many patients build a care team that includes both. You might see our midwife, Jamie, for the bulk of your low-risk prenatal visits and lean on Dr. Whitfield or Dr. Marchetti if something more complex comes up, or simply to get a physician’s perspective on a specific question. Because we work as one integrated team, your chart, your history, and your preferences travel with you — there’s no need to “start over” with a new provider if your plan changes.
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I have any health conditions or pregnancy history that could raise my risk level?
- How important is a low-intervention birth experience to me?
- Do I want the option of an epidural or other pain management readily available?
- How much time and discussion do I want at each appointment?
- Would I feel more confident with a physician managing my care directly?
The bottom line
Both OB and midwifery care are grounded in safety and evidence — the difference is largely in philosophy and approach, not in quality. The good news is you don’t have to figure this out alone. Come in for a consultation, meet our team, and we’ll help you build a care plan that fits.
Want to talk through your options?
Schedule a consultation to meet our physicians and midwife and discuss what’s right for your pregnancy.