Dr. Fehmida Shaikh Named Best Gynecologist of the Year

The relationship you have with your obstetrician shapes your entire pregnancy, so it is worth taking the time to find the right fit. A few thoughtful questions early on can save a lot of worry later.

Start with trust, not just credentials

Qualifications matter, but so does the way a doctor makes you feel. The best care comes from a doctor who listens well, explains things clearly and stays calm when it matters most.

You are not just choosing a doctor. You are choosing who will be with you through one of the biggest moments of your life.

The five questions

Whether you are meeting an obstetrician for the first time or considering a change, these questions cut to what really matters:

• How many deliveries have you personally handled?

• What happens if I go into labour outside your consultation hours?

• How do you handle unexpected complications during delivery?

• Will you be the one delivering my baby, or could it be a colleague?

• What is your approach to normal delivery versus C-section?

There are no wrong answers here, only answers that feel right for you. Trust that instinct.