Choosing the Right Care Provider
Understanding the Differences Between OBGYN, MFM, CPM, and CNM
When it comes to choosing a care provider for your pregnancy and childbirth, there are several different options available. Each type of care provider has a unique approach to childbirth and specializes in different types of care. Here are some of the differences between obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs), maternal-fetal medicine specialists (MFMs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and certified professional midwives (CPMs).
OB/GYNs
OB/GYNs are medical doctors who specialize in the medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system. They are trained to manage both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies and are qualified to perform medical interventions such as cesarean sections, forceps deliveries, and vacuum-assisted deliveries. OB/GYNs typically provide care in a hospital setting.
MFMs
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists, or MFMs, are OB/GYNs who have completed additional training in the management of high-risk pregnancies and fetal medicine. They work closely with other specialists, such as neonatologists, to provide comprehensive care for both the mother and the fetus. They are qualified to manage complex medical conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and fetal abnormalities. MFMs typically provide care in a hospital setting and work with a team of specialists to manage high-risk pregnancies.
CNMs
Certified nurse midwives, or CNMs, are registered nurses who have completed a graduate-level midwifery program and have passed a national certification exam. CNMs provide comprehensive care for low-risk pregnancies, including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care. They specialize in providing holistic, patient-centered care that emphasizes natural, low-intervention approaches to childbirth. CNMs are licensed to provide care in a hospital, birthing center, or home setting.
CPMs
Certified professional midwives, or CPMs, are midwives who have completed a specific midwifery program and have passed a national certification exam. CPMs provide care primarily in out-of-hospital settings such as homes or birthing centers. They specialize in providing comprehensive care for low-risk pregnancies, including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care. CPMs also emphasize natural, low-intervention approaches to childbirth.
Which Care Provider is Best for Very Low-Risk Pregnancies?
For women who are very low-risk, both CNMs and CPMs are excellent options. They provide comprehensive care for low-risk pregnancies and specialize in providing natural, low-intervention approaches to childbirth. CNMs are licensed to provide care in hospital, birthing center, or home settings, while CPMs typically provide care in out-of-hospital settings such as homes or birthing centers.
Which Care Provider is Best for High-Risk Pregnancies?
For women who are high-risk, an OB/GYN or MFM is typically the best choice. They are trained to manage complex medical conditions that can affect both the mother and the fetus, and they often work in collaboration with other care providers, such as neonatologists, to provide comprehensive care for high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, high-risk pregnancies often require medical interventions, such as monitoring, medication, or surgery, which can only be provided by medical doctors.
Each type of care provider brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the table. When choosing a care provider, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences, as well as the level of care required for your pregnancy. Whether you choose to work with an OB/GYN, MFM, CNM, or CPM, the most important thing is to find a care provider who you trust and feel comfortable working with throughout your pregnancy and childbirth journey.