If you are pregnant, chances are you will need the help of an obstetrician. The medical professional provides care to mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth. This article discusses the role of obstetricians in healthcare, their qualifications, and interventions.
What is an Obstetrician?
An obstetrician is a medical doctor who chooses to specialize in the medical field relating to pregnancy and childbirth. Some practitioners, known as OB-GYN, practice as gynecologists specializing in women's reproductive health. Essentially, an obstetrician provides antenatal care during pregnancy and postnatal care after childbirth.
Then, there are obstetricians trained in maternal-fetal medicine (MFM). Such professionals specialize in obstetric care for pregnant women with chronic health problems or pregnancy complications. Thus, you may see an obstetrician if you have an underlying chronic health condition that may compromise your pregnancy.
Qualifications of an Obstetrician
An obstetrician must undertake a paramedical education program to earn an undergraduate degree. Then they have to enroll in a medical school after passing an additional test. The obstetrician spends four years in a medical school and completes a residency program for practical experience. During the residency, obstetricians practice medical procedures related to pregnancy and births. Upon completing the training, one takes a certification exam to get accreditation through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
What Does an Obstetrician Do?
During Pregnancy
You will first encounter an obstetrician during your routine prenatal care. The first appointment is usually after a few weeks following your last menstruation period. Then, you will continue seeing the practitioner at least once a month during your pregnancy. Notably, you may need more obstetrician appointments if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Examples of high-risk pregnancies include being over 35 years, carrying multiple babies, having a chronic illness, or having a history of miscarriage and cesarean delivery. Typically, the antenatal check-ups include monitoring baby development and position, performing ultrasounds, and preparing you for labor and birth.
During Labor and Birth
You may not need an obstetrician during the delivery if you do not have complications during birth. However, medical practitioners can manage any arising emergency or complications during childbirth. In this case, the obstetrician can deliver your baby, including performing a cesarean delivery. In addition, the doctor can intervene in case of complications such as shoulder dystocia, uterine rupture, prolapsed cord, obstetrical hemorrhage, and sepsis.
After Birth
Obstetricians also provide postnatal follow-up care. This care begins with a medical check-up before leaving the hospital, followed by an appointment a few weeks after the delivery. The obstetrician may discuss family planning and future pregnancies during the follow-up appointment. Besides, the obstetrician discusses your adjustment to motherhood, including dealing with postpartum depression, underlying medical issues, and vaccinations.
In case of pregnancy, schedule your appointments with an obstetrician early for more favorable outcomes. The medical practitioner will perform routine check-ups, provide labor and delivery support and monitor your recovery after childbirth.
Share7 December 2021
For many couples, bringing home a new baby from the hospital is one of the most exciting events of their lives. Do you believe you’re pregnant for the first time in your life? If you think you’re expecting a baby, schedule an appointment with a reputable OBGYN as soon as possible. This medical professional can perform a pregnancy test on you in order to confirm if your suspicions are correct. If you’re pregnant, your OBGYN will likely prescribe prenatal vitamins for you to take every day. This individual might also offer you advice about proper nutrition and exercise. On this blog, I hope you will discover how OBGYNs help women thrive during pregnancy. Enjoy!
