Doctors warn about potential impact of OB/GYN shortage in Alberta [Video]

The group representing Alberta doctors says a shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists in rural and urban areas could mean more babies are being born prematurely and could have ongoing health issues.

The Alberta Medical Association says expectant mothers can’t access services in towns and cities across the province because fewer doctors are specializing in the demanding medical practice.

They fear more maternity wards will close if issues like burnout and low pay aren’t fixed.

Dr. Cameron Sklar, the association’s head of obstetrics and gynecology, told a virtual news conference Wednesday that some women visit his office late in their third trimester with major medical conditions and missed milestones for prenatal genetic screening.

Some present with issues as bad as cystic fibrosis and type one diabetes, he said.

“The outcomes in these pregnancies can be substantially worsened,” Sklar said, adding that pregnant mothers with health conditions should see doctors before 12 weeks.

Sklar also said delays in seeing a doctor …