A Firsthand Account from an Obstetrician: The Raw Reality of Working in a Maternity Ward

The Tragedy in Novokuznetsk Maternity Hospital

The recent tragedy in the Novokuznetsk maternity hospital, where nine newborns tragically passed away during the New Year holidays, has left no one indifferent. Later, when investigators arrived, the death of two more newborns was reported. It was discovered that all the babies were born prematurely, and most were diagnosed with intrauterine infections. As the investigation continues to determine accountability, social media is ablaze with indignation. It’s not fair to blame a single party: families who lost their children blame the doctors, while doctors point fingers at the mothers who allegedly did not follow medical advice during consultations and maintained unhealthy lifestyles during pregnancy. Together, they criticize the healthcare system, stating, “Doctors working within the compulsory medical insurance system are not very courteous, violate personal boundaries, and lack ethics and tact!” Doctors respond, “We have to work around the clock for 30,000 rubles. Where’s the tact? We need motivation—not slogans, but better pay.”

An Insider’s Perspective

Veronika M., a young obstetrician-gynecologist, shared her experiences with Woman.ru, shedding light on what truly happens in maternity hospitals. She revealed how doctors cope with low wages and grueling work schedules. Veronika works in a district maternity hospital in a city with a population of over a million. The local healthcare system includes a perinatal center for complex pregnancies, while district hospitals handle less complicated cases. Veronika has been working as an obstetrician-gynecologist for four years. Her primary workplace is a women’s consultation center where she monitors pregnancies and works shifts in the maternity ward every five to six days. Her typical schedule involves working around the clock. During vacations, her workload increases significantly, adding about ten more shifts. She barely has time to go home to shower and sleep.

A Day in the Life of an Obstetrician

Veronika’s shift begins at 8 a.m. with a planning meeting and reports from doctors. Afterward, she heads to her department. Until 4 p.m., she handles her current tasks, which vary depending on the department. In the pathology department, she deals with women experiencing anemia or false labor pains. In the postpartum department, she monitors patients until discharge. The delivery block is where tensions run high. By 4 p.m., she must complete all her departmental tasks, including examinations, prescriptions, and analyses. She also decides who will have natural births and who needs a cesarean section.

The Unpredictability of Childbirth

Childbirth is an unpredictable process. Despite modern equipment and methodologies, complications can arise at any moment. Veronika explains, “Sometimes everything seems fine, but suddenly the woman stops cooperating, gets tired, or starts panicking. During labor, the cerebral cortex often shuts down, and the woman operates on instincts. She might not hear instructions, experience hysteria, or feel intense pain.”

Doctors must guide the woman through each contraction, explaining how to push correctly. However, if the woman doesn’t listen, it can lead to critical delays. In such moments, doctors might resort to harsh words to snap the woman out of her panic. Younger doctors tend to be more empathetic but firm. They remind the woman that while she is in pain, the baby is also undergoing a tremendous ordeal.

The Importance of Documentation

Veronika emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation. Medical records serve as protection for both the doctor and the patient. Every detail, from temperature and blood pressure to the progression of labor, must be recorded. This documentation can be crucial in case of any complications.

The Emotional Toll and Financial Struggles

Working in a maternity ward requires immense emotional strength and stress resistance. The responsibility for human lives is enormous, yet the pay is modest. Veronika earns around 31,000 rubles at the consultation center, with small additional payments for shifts. Experienced doctors earn slightly more, but the wages are still low compared to the private sector, where salaries range from 50,000 to 60,000 rubles. Many doctors choose to work in private medicine due to better pay. Veronika expresses her frustration, saying, “It’s offensive when people say, ‘You knew what you were getting into. Doctors shouldn’t earn millions.’ But there’s a difference between earning a million and earning 30,000 rubles when renting an apartment costs 25,000 rubles.”

For more information on healthcare challenges, you can refer to authoritative sources like the World Health Organization.