Consulting with specialists in women’s health can take you to many different clinics and practices. Particularly when you fall pregnant or need assistance with reproductive care, you would be forgiven for being confused about the roles of gynaecologists and obstetricians (and recognising which one is right for your needs).
Both are essential, but they do serve different purposes in wider healthcare.
Whether you’re planning to get pregnant or are already expecting, knowing who to see and when can make a big difference in your healthcare journey.
What Does an Obstetrician Do?
Obstetricians are medical doctors who can help coordinate and manage the complexities of pregnancy care. Once you select your obstetrician, they can guide you through the entire process—from preconception to postpartum.
Here’s a closer look at what they do:
- Preconception Care: Your obstetrician will provide personalised advice and direction on how to get your body ready for pregnancy, providing guidance on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, medical interventions.
- Pregnancy Monitoring: Regular check-ups ensure you and your baby are happy and healthy. They track your baby’s growth, manage any complications, and provide overall support based on your needs.
- Managing Complications: High blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and other pregnancy-related issues are all in a day’s work for an obstetrician.
- Delivery: When the big day arrives, your obstetrician is there to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, whether it’s a vaginal delivery or a C-section.
- Postpartum Care: After your baby is born, they continue to monitor your health and help you recover from childbirth.
What are some of the Complicated Conditions Treated by an Obstetrician?
While magical, pregnancy can also be incredibly unpredictable, and sometimes complications arise. Future parents may worry, but obstetricians have the training and resources to address even the most complex situations, such as:
- Pre-eclampsia: This condition, marked by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, affects about 5-8% of pregnancies.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: When a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube, it requires immediate attention.
- Placental Issues: Problems like placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix, or placental abruption, where it detaches from the uterus, can be life-threatening.
- Multiple Pregnancies: Twins, triplets, or more require special care and close monitoring.
- Preterm Labour: When labour starts before 37 weeks, it can lead to premature birth and requires specialised care.
What is a Gynaecologist?
A gynaecologist specialises in the female reproductive system (with services not limited to pregnancy and childbirth). Their focus is on diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions that may arise with reproductive organs, offering:
- Routine Check-ups: Annual exams, Pap smears, and pelvic exams help catch issues early and keep you healthy.
- Menstrual Disorders: They treat irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and PMS.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause.
- Infections: They diagnose and treat reproductive organ infections.
- Cancer Screening and Treatment: Early detection and management of cancers of the reproductive system, such as cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
What Conditions Do Gynaecologists Treat?
Gynaecologists deal with a wide array of conditions, including:
- Endometriosis: A painful condition affecting about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age globally, causing significant discomfort and fertility issues.
- Fibroids: These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause pain and heavy bleeding.
- Ovarian Cysts: Many women will have at least one cyst in their lifetime, often without symptoms.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): A gynaecologist can help in treating common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HPV.
- Prolapse: When pelvic organs slip from their normal position, it can lead to significant discomfort and health issues.
Difference Between an Obstetrician and an OBGYN
You might hear the term OBGYN thrown around a lot. An OBGYN is a specialist trained in both obstetrics and gynaecology, offering a dual approach that allows them to deliver comprehensive care on both fronts.
- Obstetrician: Focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
- Gynaecologist: Deals with all other aspects of reproductive health in women.
- OBGYN: Combines both specialties, providing comprehensive care from puberty through menopause.
Many women prefer seeing an OBGYN for the convenience of having a single provider for all their reproductive health needs.
In Australia, obstetricians and gynaecologists often work hand-in-hand, ensuring you get the best care possible. They’re accredited through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), which sets high standards for training and expertise.
Navigate Your Journey with Dr Guy Skinner
Embarking on a pregnancy or managing reproductive health can be challenging, but with the right support, it’s a service that can make a significant difference to your wider experience.
Dr Guy Skinner, a leading Melbourne Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based in Fitzroy, brings extensive experience from Australia and abroad to support you. With a focus on clear, personable communication, Dr. Skinner helps simplify complex medical information, making it easier for you to make informed decisions, even with the most high-risk pregnancies.
Whether you’re planning a pregnancy or addressing reproductive health concerns, please feel welcome to schedule a consultation with Dr. Guy Skinner today.
