Want to know everything about the obstetrician who will help you during your pregnancy?

When you're ready to become a mother, it's important to have the best health care for you and your baby, right? So there's someone special to help you on this journey. An obstetrician , or as we call it, an obstetrician. Today, we'll talk about how this doctor can help you, what they do, and how to choose the best one for you.

Who is this (Obstetrician)?

Simply put, an obstetrician is a doctor who takes care of you and your baby from the time you think you're pregnant, through the birth of your baby, and beyond. Specifically, they cover these stages:

• The time when you are planning to have a child is called `Preconception` .
• The whole time you're pregnant, that is. Pregnancy .
• The time of childbirth, that is , labor and delivery .
• The time after giving birth is called the postpartum period (`Postpartum`) .

Imagine, some Obstetricians also work as Gynecologists. We call them Ob/Gyns. Gynecologists are people who specialize in diseases related to the female reproductive system . So an Obstetrician can cover both.

Choosing a doctor for your pregnancy is a big decision. An obstetrician is one of the best options you have. They are the ones who can diagnose and treat any medical conditions that may arise during pregnancy, helping you and your baby stay healthy .

So what exactly do these (obstetricians) doctors do?

An obstetrician provides routine prenatal care , which is the care you need during pregnancy. They also diagnose and treat complications during pregnancy. They also deliver the baby and take care of you afterward.

Here are their main responsibilities :

• Prenatal screenings , examinations, and lab tests such as blood and urine tests are required during pregnancy.
• Providing you with the information and advice you need to manage your pregnancy healthily.
• Constant monitoring of the baby's growth, size, and position in the womb (that is, the fetus's size, growth, and position) .
• Checking in advance whether the baby has any congenital differences or potential complications .
• Using modern techniques such as ultrasound scans , blood tests, and urinalysis to monitor your pregnancy.
• Treating and managing other health conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) that may affect your pregnancy.
• The safe management of labor and delivery , including emergencies and labor induction if necessary.
• Providing you with the care you need (postpartum care) for about six weeks after you have your baby.

When should you see an obstetrician?

You should see an obstetrician when:

• As soon as you found out you were pregnant .
• See your doctor at regular appointments throughout your pregnancy.
• If you experience any complications or unusual symptoms during pregnancy.
• After the baby is born (for the postpartum visit, which is usually held about six weeks later ).
• If you have any complications after having the baby.

It's usually best to see an obstetrician as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Most often, you'll see a doctor for the first time about seven to eight weeks after your last menstrual period.

After that, you'll usually see your doctor once a month, then every two weeks, and finally once a week as you get closer to delivery. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy , such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you may need to see your doctor more often.

If you are giving birth in a hospital, an obstetrician will deliver your baby – usually vaginally , or by C-section if necessary. After the baby is born, your doctor will monitor your blood loss, bowel and bladder function, and check for blood clots or other postpartum conditions . If you are recovering well, you will be allowed to go home in one to four days.

Usually, about six weeks after the baby is born, you have a postpartum visit with your obstetrician. They check to see if the wounds have healed well and if there are any other problems. They also talk about your mental health , because that's very important.

What are the specialties of obstetricians?

Obstetricians can further specialize in certain areas of obstetrics, which means they gain in-depth knowledge in those areas. For example:

• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: These are people who specialize in fertility problems and hormonal issues.
• Maternal-fetal medicine: Also called perinatologists, they specialize in high-risk pregnancies and complex problems that can affect the mother or baby.

Do you need a referral to see an obstetrician?

In Sri Lanka, you can often see an Obstetrician directly. Or you can get a referral from your family doctor, that is, a GP (General Practitioner). Some insurance coverage may require a referral. So if you have insurance coverage, it is best to ask your insurance company about it.

What conditions do Obstetricians treat?

Obstetricians look after your general well-being during pregnancy, as well as checking for any complications or medical conditions that may affect your pregnancy. Some of the conditions they can help manage include:

• Congenital genetic disorders .
• Ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages .
• Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy (`Gestational diabetes`) .
• High blood pressure or preeclampsia (a dangerous condition that occurs during pregnancy).
• Various infections .
• Problems with the placenta , for example, placental abruption.
• Morning sickness in the early months of pregnancy.
• Various physical discomforts that occur during pregnancy (`Pregnancy discomforts`) .

Some obstetricians have special experience and training in managing high-risk pregnancies . High-risk pregnancies are more likely to have complications and require special care. If your pregnancy is beyond the scope of your obstetrician's usual care, he or she may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (perinatologist), as mentioned above.

What medical procedures do obstetricians perform?

Obstetricians are doctors who can perform various medical procedures during pregnancy, childbirth, and related procedures. Here are some examples:

• Amniocentesis: This involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby and testing it. This can help determine if the baby has any genetic disorders.
• Cervical cerclage: This is done to prevent premature birth in those with weak cervixes.
• Cervical check: Checking how open and thin the cervix is ​​(dilation and effacement) as labor approaches.
• Cesarean section (C-section) and vaginal delivery .
• Dilation and curettage (D&C): This is done to clean out the uterus, either after a miscarriage or for other reasons.
• Episiotomy: A small incision made between the vagina and anus, if necessary, during childbirth.
• External cephalic version (ECV): If the baby is in a transverse position, try to turn the baby by stroking the abdomen.
• Membrane sweep: Something sometimes done to hasten labor.
• Using forceps or vacuum devices to assist in childbirth.

How to choose a good obstetrician?

Choosing an Obstetrician you can trust and feel comfortable with can make your pregnancy and delivery experience much better. If possible, find an Obstetrician or Ob/Gyn before you get pregnant . Ask your friends and family who they recommend. Or check online reviews . Your family doctor can also recommend good Obstetricians.

Think about what is important to you during pregnancy and childbirth. It may help to make a list like this:

• Is it easy for me to talk freely with this doctor? Is it easy for my partner to do the same?
• Does this doctor explain things clearly? Does he answer my questions correctly?
• What does this doctor think about my birth plan ? (e.g., if you want to have a water birth, will he support that?)
• How do I communicate with this doctor outside of appointments? Can I talk to him in an emergency?
• If the doctor I chose is unavailable in an emergency, who will take care of my care?

Some obstetricians work in a group practice . In such places, they want you to see as many doctors as possible for your pregnancy care. This is because the obstetrician who is on-call the day you go into labor will deliver your baby. However, if you have a scheduled C-section , you may be more likely to choose an obstetrician who you like.

It's normal to prefer one doctor over another.

But remember, all obstetricians are trained and experienced in pregnancy and childbirth.

With all the physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy and childbirth, it's important to have an obstetrician you can trust. Don't hesitate to ask them about what to expect. They are there to provide you with the best possible care. You and your obstetrician have a common goal: a healthy pregnancy, a healthy birth, and a healthy baby.

Finally, a few things to remember

Your pregnancy is a very special and beautiful time in your life. The role of an obstetrician is very important during this time to provide the best health care for you and your baby. It is very important to choose a doctor who is friendly, trustworthy, and listens to your questions.

Remember, talk openly with your doctor about everything. Ask any questions, concerns, or concerns you may have. They will help you give the best start to a healthy mother and a healthy baby. Good luck!

` Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Prenatal Care, Pregnancy Tests, Baby, Obstetrician, Ob/Gyn