For couples planning a pregnancy after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or other pregnancy loss, one or more different types of healthcare practitioners may be involved in the preconception and prenatal care, depending on the circumstances of the situation. Learn the differences among specialist OB/GYNs and how a family practitioner or midwife might help in your situation.
OB/GYN
OB/GYNs are probably the most common choice for care throughout pregnancy and childbirth. They are usually able to offer testing for causes of recurrent miscarriages and to handle common pregnancy complications, although they may consult with perinatologists in some situations.
Reproductive Endocrinologist (R.E.)
A reproductive endocrinologist (R.E.) is an OB/GYN with a subspecialty in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. R.E.s may be the best choice for couples who have struggled with infertility or who have had multiple early miscarriages.
Perinatology / Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
A perinatologist, or maternal fetal medicine specialist, is an OB/GYN with a subspecialty in maternal fetal medicine. Perinatologists specialize in handling high risk pregnancies, but usually alongside an OB/GYN. You may end up seeing a perinatologist in your next pregnancy if you had a stillbirth or late miscarriage.
Family Physician
Family physicians are trained in handling basic prenatal care and attending childbirth, although if you have had recurrent miscarriages or if you have had complicated pregnancy issues, you may need to see an OB/GYN or another specialist.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (C.N.M.)
In some states, certified nurse-midwives are permitted to handle prenatal care in uncomplicated pregnancies without direct supervision by a physician -- but as is true with a family practitioner, if you have had complicated issues in the past, you may require an OB/GYN or other specialist.
