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Shell 1111 · Aug 19, 2008, 04:22 AM

Hi

I am 21 weeks pregnant and everything seems to be going OK apart from at my 20 week scan they noticed the baby's kidneys are dilated more than normal. I have been asked to see an OBSTETRICIAN is this normal? Are OBSTETRICIAN more qualified than midwives, should I be more worried than I already am?

Shell

DoulaLC · Aug 19, 2008, 05:37 AM

Shell... you're in the UK, correct? While most women only need to see the midwife for pregnancy, sometimes a consultant or obstetrician will be seen if there is more of a concern. Because of your scan results, they are having you see someone who would take on more high risk pregnancies. This does not automatically mean there is a definite problem, it is just a precaution to make sure everything is covered that should be.

In the US, most women see obstetricians for their pregnancy, as that is the norm. Some women prefer to see a midwife. Some obstetrician offices will have a midwife or two practicing with them so families have a choice.

Generally, obstetricians tend to have more experience in high risk pregnancies, but plenty of midwives do as well. However, when a midwife has a high risk pregnancy, they are often then referred to an obstetrician. Obstetricians also perform c-sections, where midwives do not. Some feel obstetricians are more prone to using interventions, and midwives less so, but I have seen it both ways.

ScottGem · Aug 19, 2008, 08:17 AM

A midwife, is someone trained to assist in a delivery. Not sure if its different where you are, but I don't think they are trained in pre-natal care or where there may be complications. Generally a midwife is not an MD, but more like an RN.

DoulaLC · Aug 19, 2008, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

A midwife, is someone trained to assist in a delivery. Not sure if its different where you are, but I don't think they are trained in pre-natal care or where there may be complications. Generally a midwife is not an MD, but more like an RN.

ScottGem, they will provide pre-natal care in the US as well. Midwives are trained in all aspects of taking care of women through pregnancy and birth. The main difference, is that midwives tend to see fewer women with high risk pregnancies; the women would then usually be referred to an OB, and midwives do not do c-sections.

Even though it is the norm in the US, in the vast majority of births, an OB is not really necessary, but will always be available should the need arise. Most women in the UK never see an OB... midwives take care of everything.