Obstetricians specialize in caring for pregnant women. They can identify and address chronic health conditions that could impact gestation, such gestational diabetes or hypertension.
Selecting an obstetrician is a serious commitment. To find one who fits both qualifications and experience requirements is important.
Prenatal Care
Pregnancy care involves regular appointments with healthcare providers such as an obstetrician, midwife, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant to monitor progress and health during gestation, as well as to identify complications early like gestational diabetes or hypertension.
At your first appointment, the healthcare provider will conduct an exam and take your medical history. They’ll also ask about your lifestyle and relationships to assess any risk for any potential issues; be as candid as you feel comfortable when answering their questions.
If your pregnancy is at high risk for complications, an obstetrician will probably suggest more frequent visits and diagnostic testing – for instance ultrasound to find out whether your baby is male or female. You can get recommendations for an obstetrician from either your current healthcare provider, friends and family, neighbors etc; Virtua offers a team of obstetricians/midwives as well as maternal-fetal medicine doctors who specialize in high-risk pregnancies.
Delivery
An OB-GYN can assist in all aspects of a healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience. They specialize in recognizing high-risk pregnancies and managing complications effectively so both mother and baby have the best chance for a positive birthing experience.
Your OB-GYN will attend to every aspect of your labor and delivery, whether vaginally or via cesarean section. They can assist in devising a pain management plan and postpartum care plans as needed.
Public hospital or birth center patients usually must visit the physician assigned there; with private health insurance that includes maternity coverage, however, you will often have the choice of selecting your own obstetrician.
Some obstetricians specialize in maternal-fetal medicine (MFM), meaning they have extensive experience managing higher-risk pregnancies. Furthermore, these doctors may treat women who are experiencing chronic health conditions that could interfere with their pregnancy.
Postpartum Care
Obstetricians provide care throughout all stages of pregnancy and delivery, not just during labor. Beginning as soon as women become pregnant, prenatal screening tests may be performed by an OB to identify any health concerns that could compromise both mother and fetus during gestation.
As women progress through labor and delivery, they are monitored closely by an OB to ensure a safe and successful experience for mother and baby alike. If a birth becomes medically risky or urgent, an OB might perform an induction or cesarean to safely deliver her baby.
After giving birth, an obstetrician will provide postpartum care to ensure both mother and newborn are receiving quality attention. This may involve physical care like sore breasts or leaky vagina as well as emotional issues like mood swings. Women are encouraged to seek support from family and friends during this time. For assistance finding an obstetrician contact your Medicare or private health insurance provider.
Placental Abruption
One out of every 100 pregnancies experience placenta separation and associated complications early. Depending on its severity, these issues may deprive the fetus of oxygen, increase premature birth risks, low blood pressure in its mother or even cause her death.
Gradual (grade 1) preeclampsia includes light bleeding and some mild contractions without signs of stress to the fetus; or severe (grade 2), including concealed bleeding, nonrelaxing contractions that do not relax, abdominal pain and sudden drops in blood pressure with sudden loss of fetal life as possible outcomes. Risk factors for severe pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia or prior placental abruptions.
C-section is often recommended if you’re over 34 weeks pregnant and experiencing moderate to severe placental abruption, determined by how much vaginal bleeding there is and whether maternal tachycardia or high blood pressure has resulted from it.