I disagree with those who say the training is roughly the same. The medical school path is incredibly different plus with the competitiveness of getting into medical school, you know for sure that most US MDs had to be top GPAs with high test scores. Med school is 4 rigorous years with multiple national board exams and then an intense 4 years with over 80 hours a week working during residency.

But I agree that I love working with midwives for the uncomplicated things.

I mean, most prenatal visits (if you are low risk) are like "how are you feeling, let's take your blood pressure, pee in a cup." I'd be totally fine seeing an NP unless I needed to discuss an extremely complex issue.

Prenatal visits are supposed to be covered at 100 percent as part of the ACA, no?

Anonymous wrote:Do they charge less for the NP? If not, NOPE.

not sure to be honest! I only pay co-pay for visit only, unless there are things like ultrasound that I need to pay extra for.

I asked about this since I'm not sure if the nurse will be able to answer specific question about their birth policy, things I'd like to do if possible during labor...etc (do you think she'll be able to do that) I'm 24weeks now

My practice has one OB and two NP's. One of the NP's is also a CNM. I do major appointments with the OB (like first heartbeat and 20 week ultrasound), and all other appointments with the NPs.

The OB often runs late and once had to cancel due to a birth. The NP's virtually never run late, and they have a lot more availability in their calendars so I can schedule at convenient times on shorter notice.

Do they charge less for the NP? If not, NOPE.

I see an OBGYN-NP. She is an excellent clinician and part of a larger practice that is connected at the hospital where I want to deliver. She is very accessible, gives me lots of time at my appts. and I can email questions in between. She will refer me to MFM or others as necessary.

FWIW all of my CNMs have PHDs.

Anonymous wrote:You'd see a certified nurse midwife (CNM), not a NP. They have roughly the same amount of training, but the former specialize in pregnancy.

I saw CNMs for all three pregnancies. They were terrific. They referred out for ultrasounds, so I got to see specialists then. Any competent midwife would refer you to an OB if you have complications beyond what they can handle.

NPs do handle prenatal appointments depending on the practice.

OP, I saw an NP for the vast majority of my prenatal care. The way my practice worked was that you could schedule with any of the OBs, midwives, or NPs for appointments. There was one NP in particular who I really liked and felt like was more thorough (or at least better at addressing my anxiety) than any of the OBs or midwives I saw, so I kept scheduling with her. I see no problem with going to an NP for prenatal appointments.

You'd see a certified nurse midwife (CNM), not a NP. They have roughly the same amount of training, but the former specialize in pregnancy.

I saw CNMs for all three pregnancies. They were terrific. They referred out for ultrasounds, so I got to see specialists then. Any competent midwife would refer you to an OB if you have complications beyond what they can handle.

I personally prefer an OB but if it’s a standard check it’s fine to see an NP. If you have complications or a complex health history, I would generally recommend you stick with an OB.

I'd have no problem seeing a NP for an occasional visit but I wouldn't want all my prenatal visits to be with a NP.

Standard appointments are usually weight/bp check, urine check, listen to heartbeat, go over any concerns or upcoming appointments/tests, etc. I see no reason why you would HAVE to have an OB, assuming that everything is going normally in your pregnancy. But I see CNMs for all of my appointments, anyway.

I would only see an OB. If you are a low-risk pregnancy and haven't had any complications so far, seeing a NP is fine once but I wouldn't make it a habit. A medical degree is hard to obtain for a reason!

Would it matter to see an OB or a nurse practitioner for your prenatal appointment?