What Should You Ask an Obstetrician in Norwest Before Choosing Pregnancy Care?

Consider Communication and Continuity of Care

Pregnancy involves regular appointments, investigations and decisions, so communication with your care team is an important consideration when choosing an obstetrician.

Ask how you can contact the practice if you have questions between appointments. You can also ask what happens outside normal business hours and who you should contact if you develop an urgent concern.

Continuity of care may also be important to you. Private obstetric care commonly involves regular appointments with the same obstetrician throughout pregnancy, while hospital midwives may provide additional support during labour, birth and recovery.

However, arrangements can vary between practices. Ask whether your chosen obstetrician is expected to attend your birth personally and what happens if they are unavailable. Understanding the practice's after-hours and backup arrangements can give you a clearer picture of how your care will be coordinated.

Ask About Your Options If Your Circumstances Change

Your pregnancy care plan may change as your pregnancy progresses. Test results, ultrasound findings, your health or your baby's development can sometimes mean that additional monitoring or a different approach is recommended.

Ask your obstetrician how changes to your care will be discussed with you. A good consultation should give you an opportunity to ask questions and understand the reasons behind recommendations.

You may also want to ask how decisions are made when there are several possible approaches. Understanding the potential benefits, risks and alternatives of a recommended treatment or intervention can help you participate in decisions about your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I choose an obstetrician?

It is useful to discuss your pregnancy care options early. NSW Health recommends arranging care with a GP or maternity provider as soon as you know you are pregnant. Starting the conversation early can give you more time to understand your options and arrange appropriate care.