Just got pregnant. Need advice on OB/MW.

Hi everyone

I just discovered I'm pregnant! The 2nd line was definiitely there, so I'm pretty sure.

Problem is I am not from NZ and am here on a long term visitor visa. My husband is here on a long term job posting. So I am not familiar with the medical system here.

Should I be seeing my GP for a blood test and check up? And then find my own MW? What's the difference between a OB and MW? Do they do different stuff? Some of our friends here use a OB at Fertility Associates.. I checked and they cost more than $4000! *gulp* Do I have other options?

Sorry if these questions are silly, this is my first pregnancy and I'm so lost at it!

I live in Central Auckland and go by public transport, if you have any recommendations, please do let me know!

THANKS!

Cheers
Bea

You'll have to pay for all your maternity care, I'm pretty sure. Unless you have travel insurance or health insurance that will cover it. I hope you do! You should be fine to go with a midwife, but I'd discuss it with your doctor - they'll be able to tell you the options and hopefully the costs.
Congratulations, btw!!!

I'm pretty sure I'm eligible for public funded maternity service, as my husband is here with a work permit for 3 years.

I checked at this website - http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/eligibility-healthservices-maternity#primary

Guess that means I should consider MW services as my first choice and take it from there.

Yeap, I'm on vitamin supplements. Been on those for 10 months already while trying to get pregnant! I will call my GP for an appointment tomorrow.

I am still in a state of shock! I still can't believe that 2nd line *finally* showed! Hahaha..

there are 3 options mw, ob and shared care. mw is mostly free except for some scans (I think). A lot of people use this and is fine especially with low risk pregnancies. I don't think they scan you as often as ob's but that isn't the be all and end all. Some mw take a more 'earthy' approach.
Then you could get ob which in Auckland cost about $4k (this is the option I went for). Many people say they take a more medical approach to it, scan you more often which is nice cause you see bubba very often and handle all the issues and the $4k includes them delivering the baby (any way you choose). Fee is flat no matter what the complications or simplicity. You get the usual midwife care afterward.
Then there is shared care that cost in the region of $2k. With this you are mostly in the care of a mw throughout your pregnancy but the practice will have a couple of ob's. They will do the delivery and I think you see the ob once or twice for a checkup in your time. Good option if you want mw care but the ob at the birth incase.
Scans may have co payments but I'm not sure as my scans are all included in the fixed fee and the hospital fees etc are free for residents.
I hope this helped.