Prenatal care is one of the most important factors in ensuring a healthy baby. While women should check with their insurance companies for specific coverage information, future mothers have several options in deciding who will take care of them during pregnancy, labor and beyond.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests several questions that women should ask potential providers of pregnancy-related health services.

• Where does the provider have hospital privileges?
• Is the provider in a group or solo practice? Is it possible that another member of the practice would deliver the baby?
• How does one obtain emergency care outside of normal office hours?
• What are the provider's fees? Are they covered by your medical insurance? (Ask the insurance company about specific coverage questions.)
• What is the provider's attitude concerning specific important issues - breast feeding , pain relief , presence of fathers or family members in labor and delivery rooms, and use of birthing rooms?
• Does the doctor work with certified nurse-midwives?

There are three types of health care practitioners that can deliver babies:

• Certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses who are specifically trained to provide health care to women and their babies throughout pregnancy and delivery. Most states require them to practice with a doctor.
• Family practice physicians provide general health care services including pregnancy care and delivery.
• Obstetrician-gynecologists are specially trained physicians who specialize in women's health issues.