When it comes to women’s health, pregnancy, and childbirth, the healthcare system offers several types of specialists—each with a distinct role. Understanding the difference between an obstetrician, gynaecologist, and midwife can help you make informed decisions about your care, whether you’re planning a pregnancy, already expecting, or simply managing your ongoing reproductive health.
While these professionals often work closely together, their training, scope of practice, and focus areas differ in important ways.
Table of Contents
What’s an Obstetrician?
An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specialises in pregnancy, childbirth, and the care of women during the prenatal, labour, and postnatal periods. If you’re under the care of an obstetrician, you’re being supported by a specialist trained to manage both routine and high-risk pregnancies. Obstetricians are qualified to:
- Monitor fetal development and maternal health throughout pregnancy
- Manage medical complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, or multiple pregnancies
- Perform medical procedures and surgeries, including caesarean sections
- Prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds and blood work
In Australia, obstetricians often work in hospitals or private practices and are typically involved when pregnancy requires specialist medical oversight or intervention.
What’s a Gynaecologist?
A gynaecologist is also a medical doctor, but their focus is broader and not limited to pregnancy. Gynaecology covers the health of the female reproductive system at all stages of life—from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Gynaecologists commonly provide care for:
- Menstrual disorders and hormonal concerns
- Contraception and family planning
- Fertility investigations and management
- Pelvic pain, endometriosis, and ovarian conditions
- Cervical screening (Pap tests) and other preventive checks
- Menopause management
Some doctors are trained as obstetrician-gynaecologists (OB-GYNs), meaning they provide both obstetric and gynaecological care. Others may focus exclusively on gynaecology.
What’s a Midwife?
A midwife is a highly trained health professional who specialises in pregnancy, labour, birth, and postnatal care for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Midwives take a holistic, woman-centred approach and often build strong, continuous relationships with their patients throughout pregnancy and birth. Midwives typically provide:
- Antenatal care and education
- Support during labour and birth
- Postnatal care for both mother and baby
- Breastfeeding guidance and early parenting support
In Australia, midwives are registered health professionals who may work in hospitals, birth centres, private practice, or community settings. While they do not perform surgery or manage complex medical complications independently, they work closely with obstetricians when additional medical care is required.
How These Roles Work Together
Rather than competing roles, obstetricians, gynaecologists, and midwives often collaborate to provide comprehensive care. For example:
- A woman may see a gynaecologist for years before pregnancy, then transition to obstetric or midwifery care
- A midwife may manage routine antenatal care while consulting an obstetrician if complications arise
- An obstetrician may step in for medical or surgical intervention, while midwives provide ongoing labour and postnatal support
This team-based approach ensures women receive the right level of care at the right time.
Which One Should You See?
The right professional depends on your individual needs:
- For routine pregnancy with no complications: a midwife may be ideal
- For high-risk or medically complex pregnancies: an obstetrician is usually recommended
- For reproductive health concerns outside of pregnancy: a gynaecologist is often the best choice
Many women benefit from seeing more than one of these professionals at different stages of life.
Understanding the difference between an obstetrician, gynaecologist, and midwife empowers you to navigate your healthcare with confidence
Each plays a vital role in supporting women’s health, pregnancy, and childbirth—often working together to deliver safe, personalised, and compassionate care. If you’re unsure which type of care is right for you, speaking with a trusted healthcare provider can help guide you toward the most appropriate support for your circumstances.