What type of doctor for pregnant women

If you have private health insurance with maternity cover , you can choose your own obstetrician and give birth in a private hospital. Some obstetricians also care for private patients in a public hospital. It's best to check if your preferred obstetrician practises at your preferred hospital since they don't work everywhere. You may need a referral from your doctor to see an obstetrician. Some obstetricians might see you without a referral, but you will need a referral to get the relevant Medicare rebate.

At your first antenatal appointment , your obstetrician will check your health and identify any issues that could affect you or your baby. They will probably offer you the first of many routine tests done in pregnancy. Some of these might be subsidised by Medicare. It's a good idea to ask about all the expected costs of your care.

You should also ask how the obstetrician plans to manage your antenatal care and the birth. If their approach and practices do not align with your preferences, you have the right to choose another obstetrician. Your obstetrician can also help you make lifestyle changes that are good for your baby. Stopping smoking or drinking alcohol , for example, will help keep you and your baby healthy. If you're getting your antenatal care at a public hospital, you will see an obstetrician only when you need to.

You'll also see midwives. Women with high-risk pregnancies will probably see the obstetrician more often. If you've chosen a private obstetrician, they will do your antenatal check-ups. The obstetrician will usually:. Some private obstetricians also offer a 'shared care' arrangement, under which you split your appointments between your doctor GP or midwife and your obstetrician.

This can be a less expensive option. If you have an uncomplicated birth at a public hospital as a public patient, you probably won't need an obstetrician. But an obstetrician will be available to manage any complications or emergencies. In a private hospital, your obstetrician may visit you during your labour, but you'll mostly be cared for by midwives. Your obstetrician will manage any complications and some interventions, and will attend the birth or second stage of labour. If you have a private obstetrician, they will usually check on you before you leave the hospital.

The timing of your first prenatal visit varies by clinic. Yes, this seems like a really long time to wait, especially when you have so many questions! Make an appointment. This is to make sure you have the best prenatal care plan for you and your baby. Write down your questions and bring them with you to your first appointment. Check out our suggested list of questions here. There are many good options for over-the-counter prenatal vitamins. Look for one with at least mcg of folic acid and make sure it includes DHA, which is a supplement that can help promote brain and eye development.

This doctor can treat many illnesses and conditions, and treats men and women of all ages. Certified nurse-midwives CNM are trained in nursing and midwifery. Most CNMs:. Women who want to have as natural a childbirth as possible may choose a CNM. Midwives view pregnancy and childbirth as normal processes, and they help women safely deliver without treatments or minimize their use.

They are trained to be the primary care person during labor and delivery. Treatments may include:. Most nurse midwives work with OBs. If complications or medical conditions develop during pregnancy, the woman will be referred to an OB for a consult or to take over her care. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Updated April They are specialists in low-risk, normal pregnancies, so if you have a high-risk pregnancy, this may not be an option for you.

If you have a chronic medical problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or have had previous pregnancy complications, you may be considered high risk. When you choose a midwifery practice that operates in a hospital, you have the benefits of being in a hospital system with physician support that can be called on if needed.

Also decide if you want the support of a doula during your delivery. Doulas are trained professionals who offer physical, emotional and informational support to women before, during and shortly after childbirth.

Doulas work closely with the labor and delivery team to help women have a positive birthing experience. That means you will receive your care at a lower price.