Alberta doctors warn obstetrician-gynecologist shortage could mean more preemies

Medical tools are pictured in an exam room at a health clinic in Calgary, Friday, July 14, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

EDMONTON — 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.

"We're seeing perinatal outcomes for the mom and the unborn fetus."

Sklar also said delays in seeing a doctor add significant stress and put patients at an increased risk of developing health issues like cardiovascular disease.

Association president Dr. Shelley Duggan told reporters her group is seeing gaps in care everywhere, notably in rural Alberta. It's harder to attract and retain physicians, she said, because they're burning out from next to no work-life balance.

"Since babies don't generally tell us in advance when they're going to arrive, obstetricians need to be on call 24/7," she said, adding there are also problems paying obstetricians to be available when needed.

"Our acute care system is under immense strain and is at risk. Physicians have solutions. AMA representatives have been working continuously with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services to seek solutions."

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange's office, in a statement, said the province is working to increase OBGYN staffing numbers by helping to fund training opportunities and expanding residency spots, among other things.

"While we are encouraged by an increase from 249 OB/GYNs in 2023 to 267 in 2024, Alberta’s government remains committed to ensuring this growth continues and improving access to care for all Albertans," the statement said.

Sklar said Alberta Health Services recently told acute care physicians to expect the reduction or removal of on-call payments by April, affecting several groups of OBGYNs.

Another major issue is a shortage of anesthesiologists in labour and delivery units, impacting surgeries like emergency C-sections. Some patients experience "debilitating conditions" like endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, Sklar said.

Part of the solution, he said, is opening procedural rooms at hospitals with trained nurses to perform less-complex procedures.

"We have to address the supply of obstetrician-gynecologists and ensure that women can access the care that they need throughout their lives," he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 29, 2025.

Aaron Sousa, The Canadian Press