Objective To investigate the flaws of obstetric service process, and reengineer the process in a tertiary general hospital. Methods The obstetric outpatient data of a tertiary general hospital from June 2009 to May 2010 were analysed, and spot investigations were conducted in the obstetric department. The flaws of obstetric service process were explored, and the obstetric service process was reengineered. Results The distribution disequilibrium in number of obstetric outpatient visit led to the unbalanced workload of medical staff and unreasonable use of medical resources. These problems could be resolved by improving the outpatient reservation system. In addition, obstetric service process could be reengineered by means of perfecting outpatient reservation, establishing emergency plans and optimizing sickbed allocation. Conclusion To stagger initial visits, subsequent visits and emergency are the kernels of obstetric service process. To set up effective reservation system and to build comfortable environment are the basic ways of obstetric process reengineering.