Practices... - Midwifery - Transfer of Care to a Doctor

Certain complications may arise during the course of your pregnancy that should be referred to another specialist. This may simply be for one appointment or could be for the remainder of your pregnancy. A midwife is responsible for normal pregnancies and deliveries only. If you need to have care continued by a doctor, your midwife may remain with you in a supportive role throughout pregnancy, labour, and the time following, but is no longer part of the decision-making process. Some examples include pre-eclampsia, diabetes, polyhydramnious (excessive fluid around the baby), intra-uterine growth restriction, bleeding, multiple pregnancies, or very early labour. This is by no means a complete list and each of these situations have different degrees of severity. In most cases, if you need medical attention, you would be advised to deliver your baby in the hospital under a doctor's care.