My wife is 4 months pregnant, and we are going through this now.  The first doctor we tried was a complete quack.  She talked for half of the visit about her family and how food affects the sex of the baby.  She said she doesn't do pelvic exams in the first trimester because if someone miscarries, she doesn't want them to blame the pelvic exam.  She didn't even bother to get a detailed medical history or family medical history.

The next doctor was much, much better.  She was also very honest when we brought up natural birth.  Basically, she said its up to the doctor that delivers.  If we wanted her to deliver it would cost R$2500 extra.  I understand why doctors would prefer to do a C-section...  less time, more money, and less risk.  BUT, what about what's best for the patient and their wishes???  Someone on this thread said be prepared to argue if you want a natural birth.  I think the reality is that they can agree at first and then basically say almost anything as a reason why you need a C-section (high bp, low baby heart, etc).  Frustrating.

Originally posted by Capybara Meredith - high five on looking for a doctor who supports natural birth! Both of my macacinhos were born in the US so I dont have anything to say about giving birth here, im just wondering if its true that children of estrangeiros cant be registered as citizens if born in a public hospital? I only know of 2 foreigners who gave birth using the public system and their kids are citizens, but both are married to Brazilians.

Thanks. It was a struggle. I had to switch doctors twice and the second time was in month 8. I LOVED my doctor and if it weren't for him I'm sure I'd have been bullied into having a c-section.

My son's birth was a bit tough; the doctor had to use forceps to get the little bugger out. Any other doctor wouldn't have been as knowledgeable and/or would have wanted the easy way out.

Any advice on doctors in Rio who are good, and prepared to deliver a baby the natural way ? Grateful for all replies.

Look no further than the public hospital or have a huge pot of money to step outside your plano de saude and pay for private care.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/11/brazils-women-rebel-again_n_1767972.html