Your pregnancy companion: Let's get to know the obstetrician!

It's normal to feel a little nervous and excited when you find out you're expecting a baby, right? An obstetrician is someone who helps you and your unborn baby get the best care possible. So, today we'll talk about who an obstetrician is and how they can help you.

Who exactly is an obstetrician?

Simply put, an obstetrician is a specialist who takes care of you and your baby before you get pregnant, throughout your pregnancy, during labor, and after you have your baby . He/she will help you during these four stages:

• Preconception: This is when you start thinking about having a baby.
• Pregnancy: The entire time you are carrying a baby.
• Labor and delivery: The time when the baby comes into this world.
• Postpartum: The first few weeks after the baby is born.

Some obstetricians also work as gynecologists . We also call them ``Ob/Gyns.`` A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases related to the female reproductive system. So if your obstetrician is an ``Ob/Gyn``, you can also get treatment from him for other women's health problems in addition to pregnancy.

Choosing a doctor to care for you during your pregnancy is an important decision . An obstetrician is your best option. They can help you diagnose and treat pregnancy-related conditions to ensure the health of you and your baby.

What exactly do these doctors do?

An obstetrician provides routine prenatal care to pregnant women. They also diagnose and treat complications that may arise during pregnancy. They deliver your baby and take care of you afterward.

Here are some of the main responsibilities of your obstetrician:

• Prenatal screenings, exams, and lab tests: These can help you learn about your and your baby's health. For example , blood tests, urinalysis, and ultrasound scans .
• Providing you with the information you need to manage your pregnancy: You will be informed about many things, such as what kind of food to eat, what exercises to do, and what not to do.
• Assessing the size, growth, and position of the fetus during pregnancy: Checking whether the baby is growing properly and whether the baby is in the correct position.
• Identifying congenital differences or potential complications: We check in advance whether the baby has any problems that may be present at birth, or whether problems may arise during pregnancy.
• Treating health conditions that may affect your pregnancy: For example, if you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, they will help you control them during pregnancy.
• Managing labor and delivery: This includes labor induction (which means causing pain) and managing emergencies.
• Postpartum care for up to six weeks after delivery: Taking care of your well-being after having a baby.

Imagine, when you're about to have your first baby, you might have a lot of questions and fears. A good obstetrician will understand all of this, talk to you in a way that makes you feel at ease, and explain everything. That's a big help!

When should I see an obstetrician?

You should see an obstetrician in the following cases:

• When you find out you're pregnant: See a doctor as soon as possible. Usually, you'll see a doctor for the first time about seven to eight weeks after your last period.
• For routine checkups throughout your pregnancy: Usually, you will see your doctor once a month at first, then once every two weeks, and finally once a week as you get closer to delivery. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy , you may need to see them more often.
• If any complications arise during pregnancy.
• After the baby is born (usually six weeks later): This is called a ``postpartum visit''.
• If any complications arise after the baby is delivered.

If you are having your baby in a hospital, an obstetrician will deliver your baby – it could be vaginally or by C-section. After your baby is born, your doctor will monitor your bleeding, bowel movements, and urination. They will also check for blood clots or other postpartum conditions. If your recovery is going well, you will be allowed to go home in one to four days.

What are their areas of expertise?

Some obstetricians specialize in other areas of obstetrics. Some examples include:

• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: Treats those who have difficulty having children.
• Maternal-fetal medicine: Also known as perinatologists, these specialists care for mothers with high-risk pregnancies. This means that if the mother or baby has any complex problems during pregnancy, they need special care.

Do you need a referral to see a doctor?

In Sri Lanka, you can usually see a specialist directly. However, if you have any insurance coverage, it is a good idea to ask if a ``referral'' is required, meaning a recommendation from another doctor. Alternatively, it is a good practice to ask your family doctor (GP) about this and get a recommendation from him.

What conditions does an obstetrician treat?

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

• Congenital genetic disorders
• Ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages
• Gestational diabetes: This is a type of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy.
• High blood pressure or preeclampsia: This is a dangerous condition in which blood pressure increases during pregnancy and can affect other organs.
• Infections
• Placental problems, for example placental abruption
• Morning sickness
• Pregnancy discomforts

Some obstetricians have additional experience in managing high-risk pregnancies. There is a higher chance of complications in a high-risk pregnancy. If your pregnancy is beyond the care of your obstetrician, he or she may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (perinatologist).

What medical procedures do obstetricians perform?

Obstetricians perform a variety of medical procedures related to pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Some examples include:

• Amniocentesis: A test that takes a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. This helps to find out if the baby has any genetic diseases.
• Cervical cerclage: This is done to reduce the risk of premature birth if the cervix is ​​weakened.
• Cervical check: Checks to see if the cervix is ​​open (dilated) or thinned (effacement).
• Cesarean section (C-section) and vaginal delivery
• Dilation and curettage (D&C): A procedure done to clean out the uterus after a miscarriage.
• Episiotomy: A small cut is made between the vagina and anus to make it easier for the baby to come out.
• External cephalic version (ECV): If the baby is in a breech position, try to turn the baby by touching the abdomen.
• Assisting childbirth using forceps or vacuum devices.

How to choose a good obstetrician?

Choosing an obstetrician you can trust and feel comfortable with will make your pregnancy and birth experience a much more enjoyable one. If possible, find a good obstetrician or Ob/Gyn before you get pregnant.

Here are some things that may help you:

• Get recommendations: Ask your friends and family for recommendations. You can also go online and read reviews of doctors. Your family doctor can also recommend good obstetricians.
• Think about what's important to you: What are the things that are important to you during pregnancy and after the baby is born? It can help to make a short list. Ask yourself these questions:
• Can I talk to this doctor in a relaxed manner? Is the same true for my husband/partner?
• Does this doctor explain things clearly to me? Does he answer my questions?
• What does this doctor think about my birth plan ?
• How can I communicate with this doctor outside of clinic hours?
• If the doctor I chose is not available that day, who else will take care of me?

Some obstetricians work in group practices. In those settings, they want you to see as many doctors as possible. This is because the doctor who is on duty on the day of your due date will deliver your baby. However, if you are planning a C-section, you may be more likely to choose the doctor you prefer.

It's normal to prefer one doctor over another, but remember, all obstetricians are well-trained and experienced in pregnancy and childbirth.

During pregnancy and after giving birth, your body and mind go through a lot of changes. That's why it's important to have a doctor you can trust. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you may have. They are there to provide you with the best possible care. Both you and your doctor have the same goal: a healthy pregnancy, a healthy delivery, and a healthy baby.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so we've talked a lot about an obstetrician today, haven't we? In short, remember these things:

• An obstetrician is a specialist who helps and guides you through your pregnancy journey.
• See a good obstetrician as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
• Don't miss out on attending the clinics on the scheduled dates.
• Choose a doctor you feel comfortable talking to and trusting. Share all your questions and fears with them.
• Remember, you are not alone. There are doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff to help you.

I wish you and your family a healthy and happy future!

` Obstetrician, pregnancy, childbirth, obstetrician, gynecologist, women's health, baby