Obstetricians are medical specialists specializing in women’s health and pregnancy. After four years of medical school and one year spent as a resident physician, they complete the Residency program before entering practice.
At birthing centers, healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat conditions such as ectopic pregnancy (when fertilized eggs have implanted into a fallopian tube instead of being carried to the womb by way of cervical circulation surgery) or cervical circulation surgery. They can also perform external cephalic version to bring breech babies into an optimal birthing position.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is crucial throughout pregnancy. Your physician will monitor your weight and blood pressure to ensure you’re gaining appropriate amounts, and that the baby is developing healthy. In addition, they’ll discuss ways you can prepare for labor and delivery by discussing positions, pain relief options and what you can expect during each stage.
Your doctor can assist in choosing a hospital that best meets your location, insurance coverage and personal preferences for giving birth. There are both public and private hospitals available where you can give birth.
Your obstetrician may refer you to either a family physician, certified nurse midwife, or specialist obstetrician for any complications that arise during your pregnancy. In cases of high-risk pregnancies, however, your doctor will recommend seeing you at a center that offers group obstetric care as this allows them to dedicate more time toward managing health needs of high-risk pregnant women while still offering quality care to low-risk pregnancies.
Labor and Delivery
As your labor progresses, your obstetrician will monitor it. They may use ultrasound to check on the position and size of your baby as well as measure dilation (measurement of dilation). They may also perform tests like complete blood count screening for abnormalities and fatal infections as well as amniocentesis to help identify your baby’s gender.
Your OB/GYN will also assist with the delivery of your baby, providing guidance as to the most efficient method for giving birth and managing any complications during labor.
If your pregnancy is high-risk, it may be wise to seek prenatal care from an OB who specializes in maternal-fetal medicine. Some obstetricians also possess additional training in treating women with chronic health conditions that might interfere with gestation. They can also treat various other gynecological issues like fibroids and menstrual problems while performing surgical procedures to remove cysts, polyps, or repair vaginal tears as needed.
Postpartum Care
Women should visit an obstetrician at least once every month during gestation to ensure a successful outcome, screen for common complications like low hemoglobin or high blood pressure levels and address any concerns with their doctor.
Women should continue seeing their gynecologist postpartum to provide birth control options, prevent cancer and address other female health concerns.
If you underwent a C-section, your OB-GYN will monitor the incision and ensure you are healing well. They can provide advice about breastfeeding and contraception as well as answer any queries that arise. Women can also talk to their OB-GYN about any issues that they are having emotionally or psychologically; they will reassure them that their feelings are normal while also referring them on to specialist services if needed – this can be particularly important if there are serious complications to address.
High-Risk Pregnancy
While every woman hopes for an easy pregnancy, complications do sometimes arise during gestation. When classified as high risk, both mother-to-be and baby face an increased chance of health complications that could pose short or long term risks due to preexisting medical conditions or lifestyle choices like smoking or drug and alcohol use.
Other risk factors associated with pregnancy could include obesity, which increases your chance of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia complications; certain infections (genital herpes or HIV); blood disorders like sickle cell disease; or genetic conditions. Women experiencing high-risk pregnancies require special care from conception until delivery and beyond, often necessitating additional consultations and tests than usual; yet the extra attention usually results in healthier pregnancies and babies.