A Gynaecologist specialises in women's reproductive health, whereas an Obstetrician specialises in the care of pregnant women and the unborn baby.
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You have two options when considering your prenatal care and delivery. You can opt to have your care and delivery through a private obstetrician/gynaecologist (OB/GYN) and deliver at one of the three local maternity units, or you can go through the Health Services Authority (HSA), where your delivery at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital will be handled by the hospital's midwives, supported by the hospital OB/GYNs.
Private OB/GYNs
The private OB/GYNs are all qualified to deliver routine obstetric care and some have additional skills in obstetrics and/or gynaecology that enable them to manage high-risk pregnancies. The care they provide is consistent with any developed country and the clinics are generally well-equipped (e.g. with modern ultrasound equipment).
To choose an OB, it is best to research each of them from the list below, and then visit your shortlisted candidates to find the one best suited to you. Some OBs do not charge for ‘getting to know them’ visits, but it is worth checking when making appointments.
You should look into appointing your OB as soon as you find out you are pregnant or even when you are thinking of trying. You can expect to have your first scan at around 6-8 weeks. Your chosen OB will guide you through your entire pregnancy and deliver your baby, supported by the resident midwives at your birth centre. See below for a list of practicing OB/GYNs.
Midwife Births
An alternative to a private OB is to opt for a midwife delivery through the Women's Health Clinic at the Health Services Authority, Anthony S. Eden Hospital (formerly George Town Hospital). You will then receive your care through a large team of midwives who manage the prenatal care and deliver the baby, supported by a team of resident hospital OBs who are on call 24-hours-a-day, should there be any problems. The midwives are highly qualified and trained to deliver babies.
Choosing midwife care is a lower-cost option for having a baby in the Cayman Islands, while still receiving world-class care. It’s suited to parents who are happy with or prefer a team approach, as opposed to having care led by the same physician throughout.
Prenatal Care
After your first appointment, OBs and midwives will typically see you every four weeks up until 28 weeks, every two weeks until 36 weeks, and then weekly until delivery, consistent with standard care in most developed countries. If issues emerge during your pregnancy, you will likely be seen more frequently. In some special circumstances you may have to go overseas before or after delivery for treatment, although thankfully, such cases are rare.
Early on in your pregnancy, you will be required to undertake some initial blood tests to rule out any infections or concerns. These usually include full blood count, Hepatitis B screening, Rubella IgG screening, VDRL (tests for syphilis), HIV, ABO/Rh status. From nine weeks, you can also opt to have the NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test — a simple blood test) to screen for certain chromosomal and genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome. Your doctor or midwife will discuss this with you to help you make an informed choice, as well as seek approval from your insurance company before conducting the test.
Some insurance companies cover a portion of the testing fee if you are 35 years or older or if you have a medical condition warranting the test. Otherwise, you will be responsible for its cost if you choose to have it.
Between 18-23 weeks of pregnancy you will have a detailed anatomy scan of the baby to screen for congenital structural abnormalities. If you choose to, your sonographer may be able to tell you whether you are having a boy or a girl!
Between 24-28 weeks you will be given the glucose tolerance test to screen for gestational diabetes. It involves fasting before the blood test in the morning, then having a glucose drink, followed by another blood test an hour later. If your results show any cause for concern, you will be required to start controlling your sugar intake and may need further medical treatment.
Hospitals with Maternity Wards
Anthony S. Eden Hospital (HSA), Doctors Hospital and Health City Camana Bay all have maternity wards where babies can be delivered, the latter also having a new neonatal intensive care unit.
To have a Doula at your baby’s birth, please see our Childbirth Preparation Classes & Doula Services page. For information on healthcare services for babies and children, see our Paediatricians section.
