Understanding the Role of an Obstetrician During Pregnancy and Birth

Highlights

• Obstetricians provide specialized medical care during pregnancy and birth.
• Some people choose to have a private obstetrician to provide antenatal care throughout pregnancy.
• If you choose to see a private obstetrician for your pregnancy care, the cost can vary widely, so it’s a good idea to ask about likely fees and out-of-pocket costs before your first appointment.
• If you are planning to give birth in a public hospital or in a birth center, you might only see an obstetrician if there is a medical need or complication.
• If you receive your antenatal care in the public system, you won’t usually pay out-of-pocket expenses to see an obstetrician.

In This Article

• What is an Obstetrician?
• Choosing an Obstetrician
• Referral to See an Obstetrician
• First Appointment with an Obstetrician
• Role of the Obstetrician in Pregnancy
• Role of the Obstetrician During Labor and Birth
• Post-Birth Role of the Obstetrician
• Costs of Seeing an Obstetrician
• Seeing an Obstetrician as a Public Patient
• Seeing an Obstetrician as a Private Patient
• Asking About Costs
• Tools And Assistance

What is an Obstetrician?

An obstetrician is a doctor with specialist qualifications. Obstetricians are trained to provide medical care during pregnancy (antenatal care), labor and birth, and after the birth (postnatal care). Obstetricians have the skills to manage complex or high-risk pregnancies and births and can perform interventions and cesareans. Most obstetricians are also trained in female reproductive health (gynecology).

Choosing an Obstetrician

If you give birth in a public hospital or birth center as a public patient and need an obstetrician, you do not usually get to choose your own obstetrician.

Some rural and remote areas may not have a local obstetrician. Some general practitioners (GPs) with extra training in obstetrics can deliver babies if there are no complications. If complications arise, you may need to be transferred to a hospital that offers an obstetrician.

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 practices at your preferred hospital.

Referral to See an Obstetrician

You usually need a referral from your GP to see an obstetrician. Some obstetricians might see you without a referral, but you will need a referral to receive any available financial support for your care.

First Appointment with an Obstetrician

At your first antenatal appointment, your obstetrician will check your health and identify any issues that could affect you or your baby.

They will usually offer you the first of the routine tests done in pregnancy. 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. For example, stopping smoking or drinking alcohol will help keep you and your baby healthy.

Role of the Obstetrician in Pregnancy

If you’re receiving antenatal care at a public hospital, you will most likely have regular check-ups with midwives. You’ll see an obstetrician only when necessary. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may see the obstetrician more often.

If you’ve chosen a private obstetrician, they will conduct your antenatal check-ups. The obstetrician will usually:

• Check your baby’s growth and position
• Conduct or refer you for routine tests and checks
• Help you prepare for labor and birth

Some obstetricians perform ultrasounds in their offices.

Some private obstetricians also offer a ‘shared care’ arrangement. Under this system, you split your appointments between your doctor (GP) or midwife and your obstetrician. This can be a less expensive option.

Role of the Obstetrician During Labor and Birth

If you have an uncomplicated birth at a public hospital as a public patient, you probably won’t need an obstetrician. However, an obstetrician will always be available to manage any complications or emergencies.

In a private hospital, your obstetrician may visit you during your labor, but midwives will primarily care for you. Your obstetrician will manage any complications and necessary interventions. They will usually attend the birth (or the second stage of labor).

Post-Birth Role of the Obstetrician

If you have a private obstetrician, they will usually check on you before you leave the hospital.

They will ask you to book an appointment for a check-up around six weeks after the birth. At this appointment, you’ll also be able to discuss contraception and future pregnancies.

Costs of Seeing an Obstetrician

Obstetricians’ fees vary widely, depending on:

• The type of care you receive
• Whether it’s in a hospital or not
• Whether you have private health insurance
• What the obstetrician charges

Seeing an Obstetrician as a Public Patient

If you see an obstetrician as a public patient, the cost is usually covered by the public healthcare system. If you are not covered by any healthcare program or insurance, you’ll need to pay the full cost.

Seeing an Obstetrician as a Private Patient

If you see an obstetrician privately, there are likely to be out-of-pocket costs. You will need to pay the difference between what is covered by insurance or public healthcare and the obstetrician’s fees, hospital costs, and other expenses. Some of these costs might be covered by private health insurance if you have it.

Obstetricians generally charge a ‘management fee’ at around the 28th week of pregnancy. This is usually the highest fee component. They might charge additional fees for antenatal visits, the birth, and postnatal care. There may also be private hospital costs not covered by insurance.

After insurance rebates, the overall cost of an obstetrician, private hospital birth, and postnatal care can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, costs will be even higher. Expenses may increase if you or your baby require special care or an extended hospital stay.

Asking About Costs

It can be expensive to see specialists, including obstetricians.

Before your first appointment, it’s a good idea to ask the obstetrician or their staff about the costs. You can also ask what your insurance or healthcare coverage will include.

If you plan to use private health insurance, you can also contact your health fund for more details.

Tools and Assistance

• Health Direct: Offers a directory of healthcare providers, including obstetricians. It can be helpful in finding an obstetrician who meets your specific needs and preferences.
• Pregnancy Support Helplines: Many non-profit organizations offer helplines to answer questions about pregnancy care, including advice on choosing an obstetrician and managing costs.
• Patient Advocacy Services: Many regions have services that advocate for patients’ rights and provide assistance in navigating the healthcare system. These services can help you understand your options for obstetric care.
• Insurance Advisors: If you have private insurance, an advisor can help you understand what is covered in your obstetric care, including consultations, hospital fees, and any out-of-pocket costs.
• Pregnancy and Birth Forums: Online forums and support groups can provide valuable insights from other people who have been through pregnancy and birth. They often have recommendations for obstetricians based on personal experiences.
• Local Health Centers: Many local health centers offer guidance and can help connect you with obstetricians, especially in more rural or underserved areas.

Need more information?

Obstetricians: guide for expectant parents | Raising Children NetworkObstetricians care for birthing mothers and babies during pregnancy and birth. You might see an obstetrician in consulting rooms, a clinic or a hospital.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websitePregnancy care & birth: private hospitals | Raising Children NetworkPrivate hospitals offer comfortable, caring birth environments. If you’re having a private hospital birth, your pregnancy care will be with an obstetrician.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteObstetrician-gynaecologist – Better Health ChannelAn obstetrician-gynaecologist is a specialist doctor who cares for women and specialises in pregnancy, childbirth and reproductive health.Read more on Better Health Channel websiteWho is your O&G doctor? – RANZCOGRANZCOG is the lead standards body in women’s health in Australia and New Zealand, with responsibility for postgraduate education, accreditation, recertification and the continuing professional development of practitioners in women’s health, including both specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists, and GP obstetricians.Read more on RANZCOG – Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists websiteHealth professionals involved in your pregnancyLearn about the health professionals who may be involved in your pregnancy, such as midwives, doctors, obstetricians and allied health professionals.Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby websiteThe role of a gynaecologistGynaecologists specialise in female health. Learn when to see a gynaecologist, how to find a one in your area and what to expect at your appointment.Read more on healthdirect websitePregnant with twins? About twin pregnancy | Raising Children NetworkPregnant with twins? Twin pregnancy can have more complications, so you’ll need more check-ups. Here’s what to expect in your pregnancy and antenatal care.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteHomebirth: pregnancy care and birth | Raising Children NetworkHomebirth is an option if you’re healthy, have an uncomplicated pregnancy and can transfer to hospital. Your pregnancy care will be with a private midwife.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteDoulas & how they can help in pregnancy | Raising Children NetworkDoulas support women with information and practical and emotional care during pregnancy and birth. Doulas work in homebirth and hospital settings.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteBreech pregnancyWhen a baby is positioned bottom-down late in pregnancy, this is called the breech position. Find out about 3 main types and safe birthing options.Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website