Can i be an obstetrician

Many residency rotations also include in-depth instruction on ultrasonography, reproductive endocrinology, infertility, family planning, gynecologic surgery and gynecologic oncology.

Residents can subspecialize and continue with fellowship training in a primary subspecialty urogynecological surgery, maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, and infertility and gynecologic oncology or other areas, such as family planning, adolescent gynecology and breast health. Most fellowships last about years. Obstetricians often work long and unpredictable hours to accommodate the uncertain nature of pregnancy and delivery.

An obstetrician delivers babies, whereas a gynecologist does not. An obstetrician can also provide therapies to help you get pregnant, such as fertility treatments. An obstetrician will ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and that you deliver a healthy baby. An obstetrician can also help you after you have delivered your baby and are dealing with issues such as postpartum depression.

A gynecologist specializes in caring for the reproductive health of a woman from the time she gets her first period all the way to post-menopause. Any conditions that affect the reproductive system, such as those with the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or vagina, are diagnosed and treated by a gynecologist.

Gynecologists also perform recommended screenings such as breast exams, pap smears, and pelvic exams. They also perform hysterectomies and tubal ligations. Gynecologists can also provide advice on sexual matters, such as responsible sexual practices, contraceptives, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Shared care is an arrangement between a hospital or other birth setting and a local healthcare professional usually a GP but sometimes a midwife or obstetrician where your pregnancy care is divided between the local provider and the hospital. Having a baby at home can be an option for pregnant women who are healthy, have a low-risk pregnancy and live close to a hospital in case the birth does not go to plan.

Victoria's public hospitals provide safe, affordable and high-quality maternity care. Midwives are specially trained to care for women during pregnancy, labour and just after birth. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

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Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Choosing an obstetrician If you are having a baby in the public system in Victoria, you will not be able to choose your obstetrician. There are a number of ways you can choose an obstetrician: Ask your general practitioner GP for a recommendation and referral. Call the hospital where you would like to have your baby and ask which obstetricians deliver babies there.

Ask a friend, relative or work colleague for a recommendation. Use the Health Services Directory on this website. Obstetricians and other healthcare professionals Depending on your pregnancy needs and preferences, your obstetrician will work with other healthcare professionals in caring for you and your baby. Your general practitioner GP Some pregnant women choose to have their GP closely involved with their pregnancy. The hospital In the public health system, you will usually only see an obstetrician if your pregnancy is considered high risk or if you develop complications.