When do I start looking for my obstetrician?
It’s best to find an obstetrician early in your pregnancy.
This will ensure you receive expert guidance from the start of your journey to parenthood.
Some people even start researching their obstetrician options before they get pregnant.
What should I look for in my obstetrician?
It’s important to choose an obstetrician you feel confident in - someone whose judgement and advice you can trust.
You see your obstetrician regularly throughout your pregnancy so you’ll need to be comfortable raising issues with them about your body and emotional wellbeing, as well as your preferences and expectations on the birth.
Selecting an obstetrician is a personal decision and different factors are likely to influence you more than others.
You may have a preference for a male or female obstetrician. Or, if English is not your first language, a doctor who speaks your first language – our find a specialist search enables you to search and filter by gender, languages spoken and see their areas of interest.
Here are some key points to consider when selecting your obstetrician:
Do they practice in your chosen hospital?
Many people start by looking at which hospital they wish to attend and then research the obstetricians servicing that hospital. Our find a specialist search can help you with that. (Read more on that below).
Where is their private practice located?
You’ll need multiple consultations and check-ups with your obstetrician, so you will probably want their practice to be close to your work or home.
Is the obstetrician’s practice close to the hospital you wish to give birth in?
Most obstetricians position their practice close to a major maternity hospital.
Have you received any reliable word-of-mouth recommendations for an obstetrician?
For example, by your GP or gynaecologist, a family member or friend.
What online tools/sites will help me with my research?
Our find a specialist search will show you the contact details, photos and biographies of obstetricians practicing at your local St John of God Health Care hospital. You can then contact their private practice directly to set up an initial appointment and take it from there.
What is the difference between obstetrics and gynaecology?
In general terms, gynaecology relates to women who aren’t pregnant, while obstetrics relates to pregnant women and their unborn children. Many physicians are qualified as both gynaecologists and obstetricians, enabling them to provide care for a range of concerns women may have during pregnancy.
