Start with a few places to search

Your insurer's provider directory, a local hospital directory, your primary care clinician and a community health center can be starting points. Ask trusted people about their experiences, but check whether each practice fits your own needs.

  • Look for a clinician who provides prenatal care, not only general gynecologic visits.
  • If you are uninsured or uncertain about cost, ask a community health center about options and check current coverage information.

Confirm the details directly

Directories can be incomplete or out of date. Call both the practice and your insurance plan to ask about your specific plan, whether new prenatal patients are accepted, and what you may need to pay.

  • Ask about appointment availability, travel, accessible facilities and language support.
  • Find out which hospital or birth center the practice uses and whether that setting is covered by your plan.

Understand how the team works

Some practices include OB-GYNs, midwives, family physicians and other clinicians. Ask who you may see during pregnancy, who might attend your birth, and how the team works with specialists or transfers care when needed.

  • Ask how to reach the team after hours and what to do for urgent concerns.
  • Bring up your preferences and ask how decisions are made together.

Book care when you can

ACOG recommends starting prenatal care in the first trimester when possible. Timing depends on when you learn you are pregnant, access to a clinician and your circumstances; call a practice to ask when it wants to see you.

  • Ask what information and insurance documents to bring to the first appointment.
  • If you have symptoms or concerns while waiting, contact a healthcare professional rather than waiting for the visit.