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When it comes to pregnancy, birth, and women’s health, the roles of a gynaecologist and a midwife are often spoken of—but do you know exactly what each does? Choosing between the two (or even both!) can shape your journey through prenatal care, labour, and beyond.
Whether you’re planning for a baby, managing reproductive health, or just curious about these essential professions, understanding the unique strengths each brings can help you make the best choices for your body and peace of mind.
According to Health Partners, a midwife is a trained and experienced health professional who provides a range of women’s health services, including pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. They are said to work closely with the healthcare team to meet the needs of the patient during pregnancy and after delivery.
The above source further explains that midwives have three levels of credentials: certified nurse-midwife (CNM), certified midwife (CM), and certified professional midwife (CPM). Midwives can support home births, freestanding birth centres, and hospital-based centres, the publication adds.
“When women with low-risk pregnancies plan home births, midwives are the professionals who support the labour and delivery process. Freestanding birth centers are not part of a hospital and they’re designed to provide a home-like, non-medical environment for birth. While some freestanding birth centres may have OB-GYNs on their care team, midwives are usually the main care providers.”
Gynaechologistst are doctors who undergo 12 years of education beyond high school, including four years of undergraduate training, four years of medical school, and four years of residency, states the Cleveland Clinic. They are said to handle all aspects of women’s healthcare, from annual exams to complex surgeries.
Learndirect adds that gynaecologists provide reproductive and sexual health services, including pelvic exams, PAP tests, cancer screenings, and diagnosing and treating vaginal infections. Expectant parents may see a gynaecologist if they have concerns about pregnancy. It is further mentioned that about 30% of births are undertaken by an obstetrician/gynist, performing delivery procedures and managing the labour ward.
Also see: Why paid menstrual leave makes sense
