Are you looking for a gynaecologist (ObGyn) because you’ve just found out you're pregnant? Or perhaps you're experiencing a women’s health issue that requires specialist attention? Maybe you’re planning for a baby, exploring contraception options, or simply due for a routine check-up of your reproductive health.
Whatever your reason, finding the right ObGyn can feel overwhelming — especially with so many options available. While it might seem like a straightforward task, many women struggle with where to begin or what to look for in a gynaecologist. To make your search easier, here are eight practical tips to guide you in choosing the right ObGyn for your specific needs.
From understanding your medical needs to checking hospital affiliations and appointment accessibility, finding the right ObGyn requires careful consideration.
1. Clarify Your Reason for Seeing a Gynae
Start by identifying your specific needs. Are you looking for someone who specialises in fertility, prenatal care, or general gynaecological issues? For instance, if you’re dealing with endometriosis or seeking IVF, it’s best to consult a specialist with experience in that area.
Start by identifying your specific needs. Are you looking for someone who specialises in fertility, prenatal care, or general gynaecological issues? For instance, if you’re dealing with endometriosis or seeking IVF, it’s best to consult a specialist with experience in that area.
2. Decide Between Public or Private Care
In Singapore, you can choose between public hospitals (like KKH) and private clinics. Each has its pros and cons — such as wait times, appointment availability, cost (including subsidies), and access to additional services. Understanding these factors will help you decide which setting suits your preferences and needs.
In Singapore, you can choose between public hospitals (like KKH) and private clinics. Each has its pros and cons — such as wait times, appointment availability, cost (including subsidies), and access to additional services. Understanding these factors will help you decide which setting suits your preferences and needs.
3. Consider Your Work Schedule
If you have a busy work life, consider whether you'll be able to attend regular appointments. Some ObGyns offer weekday evening or lunchtime clinics in addition to Saturday slots — useful options if you're pregnant or undergoing treatments that require frequent visits.
If you have a busy work life, consider whether you'll be able to attend regular appointments. Some ObGyns offer weekday evening or lunchtime clinics in addition to Saturday slots — useful options if you're pregnant or undergoing treatments that require frequent visits.
4. Choose a Convenient Location
Even though Singapore is relatively well connected islandwide, convenience matters — especially if you're dealing with pregnancy fatigue or a tight schedule. Choosing a clinic close to home or work can save time and travel stress, while also reducing transport costs.
Even though Singapore is relatively well connected islandwide, convenience matters — especially if you're dealing with pregnancy fatigue or a tight schedule. Choosing a clinic close to home or work can save time and travel stress, while also reducing transport costs.
5. Ask for Recommendations or Check Online Reviews
Many women find their ObGyn through word-of-mouth or by reading online reviews. If a friend or family member recommends a doctor, ask them about their experience. Otherwise, platforms like Google reviews or forums can provide helpful insights — just remember that every woman’s experience and preferences are different.
Many women find their ObGyn through word-of-mouth or by reading online reviews. If a friend or family member recommends a doctor, ask them about their experience. Otherwise, platforms like Google reviews or forums can provide helpful insights — just remember that every woman’s experience and preferences are different.
6. Planning to Deliver? Check Hospital Accreditation
If you have a preferred hospital for delivery, ensure your chosen ObGyn is accredited to practise there. This is especially important if you’re mindful of hospital fees, location, or the overall birth experience.
If you have a preferred hospital for delivery, ensure your chosen ObGyn is accredited to practise there. This is especially important if you’re mindful of hospital fees, location, or the overall birth experience.
7. Check Appointment Availability
If you’re pregnant for the first time, waiting anxiously for your first appointment can be nerve-wracking. Clinics with longer wait times may not always meet your needs. Booking early or choosing a clinic known for accessible appointments can ease that concern.
If you’re pregnant for the first time, waiting anxiously for your first appointment can be nerve-wracking. Clinics with longer wait times may not always meet your needs. Booking early or choosing a clinic known for accessible appointments can ease that concern.
8. Make Sure You’re Comfortable with Your ObGyn
Above all, it’s essential to feel safe, respected, and heard. Your ObGyn will be supporting you through personal and potentially emotional health matters — trust and comfort should never be compromised.
Above all, it’s essential to feel safe, respected, and heard. Your ObGyn will be supporting you through personal and potentially emotional health matters — trust and comfort should never be compromised.
If you're looking for a trusted specialist, consider Dr. Sivahami Sivananthan, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist. Dr. Sivananthan holds an MBChB from Bristol and is a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG). She is experienced in managing high-risk pregnancies and maternal medicine, and is also skilled in surgical procedures such as hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, cystectomy, myomectomy, and hysterectomy.
We hope these tips help you feel more confident in your search for the right ObGyn. If you know someone who might find this guide useful, don’t hesitate to share it!
Featured Contributor:
Astra Women's Specialists
Dr Sivahami
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Astra Women's Specialists is part of the Women’s Health arm of Singapore Medical Group (SMG), with a network of Obstetrics & Gynaecology clinics and a Breast Care Centre, helmed by specialists dedicated to women’s health and wellness.
They believe specialist care should be easily accessible, with their clinics ideally located in the heartlands. Their range of services includes:
- Pregnancy
- Gynaecology
- Fertility
- Birth Control
- Laparoscopic Surgery
They are dedicated to seeing you through your health and wellness journey at every stage of life, by providing accurate content you can trust and connecting you to a comprehensive range of women’s health services.
Connect with Astra Women's Specialists on their Website, Instagram, and Facebook.