A new member is about to join your family , right? Or maybe you are already a loving mother of a little one. The biggest question that comes to our minds these days is, 'Who are the best doctors for my health and the health of my baby?' We all want to get the best medical care for ourselves and our baby. So today, let's talk about two very important doctors. They are the Pediatrician and the Obstetrician .
Who is this pediatrician?
Simply put, a pediatrician is your child's doctor. This is a doctor who diagnoses and treats all of your child's physical, mental, and behavioral health problems from birth to about 18 years of age. These doctors are specially trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of childhood illnesses, from the common cold to more serious illnesses.
These doctors graduated from medical school and completed a three-year residency specifically in pediatrics, so they have in-depth knowledge of children's health.
How can a pediatrician help you and your baby?
Your baby should see their pediatrician regularly until they are two years old, and then once a year until they are five years old. After that, annual visits are usually sufficient. Also, your pediatrician is the first person you should talk to if your child has any illness .
| Main tasks of the pediatrician | |
|---|---|
| Physical examinations | Checking the child's growth, weight, height, etc. |
| Giving vaccinations | Giving the child all the immunizations that are due on time. |
| Growth milestone testing | Checking whether the child's growth, behavior, and skills (developmental milestones) are occurring at the appropriate age. |
| Disease diagnosis and treatment | Diagnosing and treating the child's illnesses, infections, injuries, and other health problems. |
| Advice to parents | Providing you with the information you need about your child's health, safety, nutrition, and physical fitness. |
| Referral to specialists | If a condition arises that requires specialist medical treatment for the child, referral to the relevant specialist. |
So who is this obstetrician?
An obstetrician-gynecologist (or VOG, as we call them in everyday speech) is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. This doctor can look after your health, not only from the day you conceive until the baby is born, but also after.
The most important thing is that this doctor is the main person who will protect your health and that of your unborn baby throughout your pregnancy.
What is the role of the obstetrician during pregnancy?
Your obstetrician (OB/GYN) will be a great help to you throughout your pregnancy.
- Monitoring your and your baby's health: Regular scans (ultrasounds), measurements, and other tests are performed to check your and your baby's health.
- Identify health risks: Check for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes , and infections that may affect pregnancy, and provide necessary treatment.
- Provides advice: Provides advice on the right diet, exercise, medications, and ways to stay healthy.
- Helps with pregnancy discomforts: Provides remedies for things like morning sickness, back and leg pain, and chest pain that many people experience.
- Preparing for childbirth: You will be educated about what happens during childbirth and how to cope with it.
- Delivering the baby: When the time comes, you will help bring your baby into the world.
- Postpartum care: After the baby is born, your health will be monitored until it returns to normal.
How do these two doctors work together?
Imagine you went to the hospital to have a baby . There, you are usually asked if you have chosen a pediatrician for the baby.
- After the baby is born: As soon as the baby is born, a pediatrician at the hospital or your chosen pediatrician will come and examine the baby.
- If the baby is born prematurely: If the baby is born prematurely, the baby will be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) . Specialist doctors and nurses there will take good care of the baby until it is well enough to be brought home.
- Information Sharing: After you leave the hospital, you will give your pediatrician all of your baby's health records from the hospital stay. You will then need to see your pediatrician within 2-3 days of your baby's discharge and at regular intervals thereafter.
Your obstetrician will work as a team with nurses and other health professionals during your delivery. You may also have another doctor from your doctor's group practice deliver your baby. It's a good idea to ask your doctor about this in advance.
How to choose a good doctor?
Choosing a good doctor is a very important decision you will make. It is wise to start looking for a pediatrician 2-3 months before you have your baby. You can ask your obstetrician, family, and friends.
Things to consider when choosing a good pediatrician
| Considerations | Questions to ask yourself |
|---|---|
| Experience and name | Does this doctor have a good reputation? What is his training and experience? |
| Respecting your opinions | Does the doctor respect my opinions about breastfeeding and vaccinations? |
| Communication | Do you listen carefully to what I say? Do you explain things clearly? |
| Emergency situations | How do you call in an emergency, at night? Who else will see you when there is no doctor? |
| Convenience and accessibility | Is the channel near the center/hospital? How long does it take to get an appointment? |
Things to consider when choosing a good obstetrician
| Considerations | Questions to ask yourself |
|---|---|
| Willingness to give birth | Will the doctor support my desired delivery (e.g. natural, without pain medication)? |
| Medical methods | In what situations are cesarean sections (C-sections) or episiotomies (cuts in the vagina) performed? |
| Pain management | How to manage pain during childbirth? What are the options? |
| Other doctors | Who else will see you when the doctor is not available? Can I see that doctor earlier? |
| Your partner's opinion | What does my husband/partner think of this doctor? Is he comfortable talking to this doctor too? |
Take-Home Message
- A pediatrician is a specialist who looks after your child's health from birth to adolescence.
- An obstetrician is a specialist who looks after your health during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery.
- Both of these are very important partners in your and your child's health journey.
- When choosing a doctor, it is very important to choose someone you feel comfortable with, someone who understands you, and someone you can trust.
- Never be afraid to discuss any questions, fears, or doubts you have with your doctor.
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