Obstetricians - what do they do?

An obstetrician is a doctor who is trained to offer:

• antenatal care (care during pregnancy — including high-risk pregnancies)
• care during labour and birth — including interventions and caesareans (C-sections)
• postnatal care (care after the birth)

Most obstetricians are also trained in gynaecology (female reproductive health).

Obstetricians can work in private practice or as a specialist at a hospital. Often, they do both.

The specialist training takes many years to finish. Doctors who are doing this training are known as registrars.

Some rural and remote areas may not have a local obstetrician. Some general practitioners (GPs) with extra training in obstetrics (GP obstetrician) can deliver babies.

Seeing an obstetrician as a public patient

If you're getting antenatal care at a public hospital, you will most likely have check-ups with a midwife. You'll only see an obstetrician when you need to. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may see an obstetrician more often.

During labour and childbirth, public patients in a public hospital are usually cared for by a midwife. But an obstetrician will always be available to manage any complications or emergencies.

Seeing an obstetrician as a private patient

If you've chosen a private obstetrician, they will do your antenatal check-ups in their rooms.

In a private hospital, your obstetrician may visit you during your labour, but you'll mostly be cared for by midwives. Your obstetrician should be there for the birth, and will manage any complications during your labour and birth.

Your obstetrician will usually check on you before you leave the hospital. They will ask you to book an appointment for a 6-week check-up.

Some obstetricians care for private patients in public hospitals. Some private obstetricians offer a 'shared care' arrangement. This is when you split your appointments between your doctor (GP) or midwife, and obstetrician. This can be less expensive.

At your first antenatal appointment, your obstetrician will focus on getting to know you. They will ask you about your health and any past pregnancies.

They may encourage you to make lifestyle changes that are good for both you and your baby, such as:

• eat a healthy diet
• exercise during your pregnancy
• quit smoking or vaping
• stop drinking alcohol

They will usually offer you routine tests and checks done in pregnancy. Some of these tests might be subsidised by Medicare. They will check your baby's growth and position, and help you prepare for labour and birth.

You may want your partner or support person to attend the appointment with you.

You should ask how the obstetrician plans to manage your antenatal care and birth. You may want to ask about tests and scans.

If their approach does not align with your preferences, you can choose a different obstetrician or midwife.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) has a service finder that can help you find an obstetrician.

You can also use the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service finder to find an obstetrician.

You can call local private maternity hospitals and ask for a list of their practicing doctors.

If you need an obstetrician in a public hospital, you don't usually get to choose the obstetrician.

You will need a referral from your doctor (GP) to see a private obstetrician. You will need a referral to claim a Medicare rebate.

A referral from your doctor (GP) lasts for up to 12 months.

Asking about costs

If you see an obstetrician as a public patient, Medicare will cover the cost. If you are not covered by Medicare or by another arrangement, you'll need to pay.

Seeing an obstetrician as a private patient

It can be expensive to see a private obstetrician. The costs can vary a lot, depending on the type of care you get.

Before you go for your first appointment, it's a good idea ask about the costs.

If you have private health insurance with maternity cover, call your health fund and check what they will cover. You may also want to check what hospital costs they will cover for the birth of your baby.

Ask your doctor or midwife if you have questions about obstetricians.

You can find out more about training in obstetrics and gynaecology on the RANZCOG site.