Obstetrics is the medical discipline concerned with the care and treatment of women who are either pregnant or who are giving birth. A doctor who practices obstetrics is called an obstetrician.
Gynecology, by contrast, is a broader discipline that concentrates on the female reproductive system. Gynecologists treat women for conditions that are not related to pregnancy, like health issues caused by menopause. Obstetricians are also often gynecologists and can be called OB/GYN for short. At South Lake OB/GYN, we are proud to offer both gynecology and obstetric services.
What’s Involved in Obstetrics?
An obstetrician takes care of both the woman and her baby during pregnancy. They will monitor the health of both, and they will look for problems like ectopic pregnancies or congenital defects like Down syndrome.
The obstetrician can work with the midwife to ensure a safe and easy delivery. They will take especial care of women with a history of problems like miscarriages. The obstetrician will make certain that the baby is in the proper position for delivery. They can use a technique called external cephalic version (ECV) to manipulate the baby into the desired position with the head down.
The obstetrician can advise the mother on the best ways to stay healthy during her pregnancy. They will also help the mother cope with such common pregnancy-related problems like morning sickness. The obstetrician will also educate the mother about what they can expect during the stages of their pregnancy and during childbirth.
The obstetrician may perform a Caesarean or C section in cases where natural childbirth is dangerous to the baby or mother. A C section is a surgical procedure in which the obstetrician removes the infant from the uterus.
After delivering the infant, the obstetrician will work with neonatologists and pediatricians to keep it healthy and safe. They will also continue to monitor the mother’s health.
Do Pregnant Women Always Need an Obstetrician?
Many women do need the expertise and services provided by obstetrics. Such women include:
- Anybody over 35
- Anybody with a history of difficult or complicated pregnancies
- Anybody who already knows their pregnancy will be difficult
Learn More About What is Obstetrics
If you just found out you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future, we highly encourage you to learn all you can about obstetrics. One of the best ways to do this is to schedule an appointment with the team of professionals at South Lake OB/GYN & Advanced Surgery in Clermont. We can answer any questions you may have. Let our team be your partner in this exciting new journey. Contact us today to book your consultation.