When do i need to find an obstetrician

There are a number of ways you can choose an obstetrician: Ask your general practitioner GP for a recommendation and referral. Call the hospital where you would like to have your baby and ask which obstetricians deliver babies there. Ask a friend, relative or work colleague for a recommendation. Use the Health Services Directory on this website.

Obstetricians and other healthcare professionals Depending on your pregnancy needs and preferences, your obstetrician will work with other healthcare professionals in caring for you and your baby.

Your general practitioner GP Some pregnant women choose to have their GP closely involved with their pregnancy. The hospital In the public health system, you will usually only see an obstetrician if your pregnancy is considered high risk or if you develop complications. Private midwives Many obstetricians in private practice employ midwives to support them in their practice. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful?

Yes No. Related information. Support groups Home. From other websites Home. Content disclaimer Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. If you are not covered by Medicare or by another arrangement , you'll need to pay the full cost. If you see a private obstetrician, you will need to pay the difference or 'gap' between any Medicare rebate and the obstetrician's fees, hospital costs and other expenses. Some of this might be covered by private health insurance, if you have it.

Obstetricians generally charge a pregnancy 'management fee' at 28 weeks' gestation. This is usually the highest fee component. They might charge you additional fees for antenatal consultations, the delivery and postnatal care. There may also be private hospital costs not covered by private health insurance. The cost might be higher if you or your baby need special care or a long stay in hospital. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Obstetricians care for mothers and babies during pregnancy and birth. You might see an obstetrician in private consulting rooms, a clinic or a hospital. Read more on raisingchildren. Information on the health professionals involved in your pregnancy, such as midwives, doctors and obstetricians. Private hospitals offer comfortable, caring birth environments. Private obstetricians look after pregnancy care for women having a private hospital births. Read more on Better Health Channel website.

Most babies are born without any need for assistance, but there are times when assistance may be required for the safety of mother or baby. Pregnant with twins? Learning you're pregnant with triplets or more can be a shock, but overall, most parents find having multiple babies to be a positive experience.

Homebirth is an option for healthy women with low-risk pregnancies who can transfer to hospital. Private midwives care for homebirthing women in pregnancy.

If you are pregnant with triplets or more, the birth will need careful planning. The main risk is that they will be born prematurely. Find out more here. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering. But more specifically, an OB-GYN — which is short for obstetrician-gynecologist — is a medical doctor who is an expert in female reproductive health. OB-GYNs can provide all sorts of care including well visits also called annual exams , sexually transmitted infection STI screenings, breast exams, heavy periods, birth control and any type of gynecologic concern.

Obstetrics is the specialty branch of medicine focused on helping women with guided treatments throughout their pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period.

Obstetricians only care for women during pregnancy and just after the baby is born. But an OB-GYN is trained in both obstetrics and gynecology, though some doctors choose to practice exclusively in one area. Both OB-GYNs and certified nurse-midwives are highly trained, licensed and experienced in pregnancy care and delivering babies. But there are a few things that set these two specialists apart. Both ways work, but regardless of what method you choose, make sure that hospitals affiliated with your OB-GYN or midwife have their own excellent reputation, have high neonatal standards and are covered by your insurance.

Be upfront about what you have in mind so your OB-GYN or midwife can share their expertise about best practices for a smooth and healthy pregnancy and birth. Your OB-GYN or midwife can help you understand your options and work with you to pin down your thoughts. For instance, will you meet with your OB-GYN or midwife regularly, or see different members of your coordinated care team depending on your appointment? We can and should , however, help guide the patient to the appropriate team.

Do questions and answers come easily, from both you and your doctor?