Giving birth is a group effort. Although you'll be the star of the labor and delivery show, it's essential to chose the right supporting cast. This includes your primary caregiver, labor coach or coaches, and any specialists you might need.

Many factors will affect the type of care you choose, including your level of risk (low-risk pregnancies require the least intervention), insurance coverage, and preferred caregiver style. Whomever you choose, you deserve someone who listens to your concerns and provides helpful answers to your questions.

The following pages contain capsule descriptions of the major types of pregnancy and labor professionals. After you identify the ones you need, you'll want to schedule interviews to determine which individuals, or practices, are best for you.

The list of questions at the end of this article can help you find a caregiver who shares your pregnancy and childbirth philosophy. If you're not comfortable with the first person you interview, keep looking. Don't settle for a caregiver you dislike or distrust. You will be seeing a lot of this person in the next nine months. And they will be participating in one of the most important events of your lifetime — the delivery of your baby.

The Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE)
Many couples don't need to see an RE, or fertility specialist. But for those who are unable to conceive after a year of trying (six months if you're over 35, or sooner if you or your husband have a history of reproductive problems), it can be a necessity.

According to RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, when fertility is at issue, it's best to look for a board-certified or board-eligible RE — that is, an obstetrician/gynecologist who has completed five or more years of specialized training in this area — rather than continuing to work with your primary caregiver. After your pregnancy is established, most REs will refer you back to your regular doctor or midwife.

RESOLVE has a referral list of more than 700 REs worldwide. Call (617) 623-0744 for more information.

The Obstetrician/Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn)
Ob-gyns are physicians who specialize in the care of women during pregnancy as well as diseases that affect the female reproductive organs. In addition to a four-year residency that includes experience in obstetrics, infertility, and surgery, they may complete additional training in an area such as infertility or high-risk pregnancy.

Ob-gyns generally deliver in hospitals or birthing centers, and are the most widely used pregnancy professionals in the United States today. Look for the FACOG credential next to your ob-gyn's name — it means that she or he is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. For more information, or to find an ob-gyn in your area, visit the Web site of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists at www.acog.org.

The Maternal-Fetal Specialist
Also called a perinatologist, a maternal-fetal specialist is an obstetrician who has received training and certification in the care of high-risk pregnancies. This training often extends into pediatrics, since the perinatologist may need to manage problems that occur in babies before they are born.

Women who have had complications during prior pregnancies, those who are carrying multiples, and those who have other medical problems may use a maternal-fetal specialist in addition to, or instead of, an ob-gyn. Typically, you will be referred to this specialist if complications arise in your pregnancy.

The Family Physician
At the other end of the spectrum from the maternal-fetal specialist is the family practitioner, a general physician who has gained experience after medical school in areas such as pediatrics, obstetrics, internal medicine, and surgery.

He or she works with your entire family, from infancy through old age, and can provide a welcome sense of continuity to the pregnant patient. A family doctor may be a good choice in the case of a low-risk pregnancy, and will generally refer you to specialists as needed in the event of complications.

The Midwife
In many parts of the world, the majority of prenatal care is provided by midwives. The use of midwives is growing more common in the United States, as well. According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, certified nurse-midwives attended at 278,000 U.S. births in 1998, nearly 10 percent of the total.

There are several types of midwives, including lay or traditional midwives, who are usually informally trained; certified midwives, who have undergone training and certification in programs that vary according to state; and certified nurse-midwives, who have degrees in nursing and are qualified to provide complete obstetric care for women in low-risk pregnancies. All midwives are legally required to be associated with a physician or group of physicians who can deal with pregnancy or birthing complications.

Most states now permit nurse-midwives to prescribe medication, but they will not perform cesarean births or administer anesthetics. Some nurse-midwives have solo practices and will assist you if you decide to have your baby at home, although most are affiliated with hospitals or birthing centers.

For more information about the American College of Nurse-Midwives, go to www.midwife.org.

The Doula
While not technically a medical professional, a doula can provide much-needed support before, during, and after your labor. From the Greek term meaning "most trusted female servant," doulas are trained to assist the woman and her partner in any way needed.

A doula can help you develop and implement a birth plan, provide comfort and support during the birth, facilitate communication with medical staff, and stay with you throughout your labor. A second type of doula, known as a postpartum doula, can help you with newborn care, breastfeeding support and advice, and even cooking and light cleaning.

For more information about Doulas of North America, go to www.dona.com.