Very soon, my husband and I will start trying to get pregnant. We live in a very small community where there are only seven doctors (OB-GYNs and general practitioners) who deliver babies. My doctor has advised me to choose one now, so when I do become pregnant I won't have to wait for my first visit. What questions should I ask to find the right doctor for us?

--Monique

I strongly advocate a "preconception visit" with whomever will be delivering your future child. This is an opportunity to review your medical, social and family history, and that of your husband, in order to be sure you're in the best health possible before you get pregnant. It is also an opportunity for you to get to know the doctor and make sure you are both are on the same page when it comes to managing the nine months during which you will be seeing this doctor.

Gut instinct has to be part of the equation when choosing a doctor; do you "hit it off" and do you feel comfortable with this person? Some possible questions to ask include:

-- How long have you been delivering babies, and how many deliveries do you do a month?

-- Will you definitely be the doctor delivering my baby, or do you share call with other people? If so, will I meet them beforehand and will they have access to my records when I am in labor?

-- Where do you do deliveries?

-- What is your philosophy on episiotomies? (It doesn't matter what the doctor's philosophy is as long as it agrees with yours!)

-- What is your C-section rate? (This varies throughout the country, so contacting your hospital for its overall rate may be helpful. Nationwide, the C-section rate hovers around the 20 percent mark.)

-- If I need a C-section will you be the one doing it, or do you have to call in another doctor?

-- Who can be with me for the delivery? Can my husband cut the cord, assuming he wants to?

-- Do you induce many labors, and if so, why? (A doctor who induces abor in a large percentage of patients strictly for the doctor's convenience may not be the most flexible or inclined to view the patient as a partner.)

-- What is available for pain relief during labor? Can I get an epidural if I want one?

These are only a few suggestions. Many doctors will do a brief "get acquainted" visit at little or no charge. Good luck with getting pregnant and finding a doctor who is right for you. And, by the way, you should be taking a supplement that will provide you with at least 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid prior to conceiving!