An Overview of Obstetrics

Obstetrics is a field of medicine that is concerned with human reproduction. It focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the period after childbirth.

Doctors who specialize in obstetrics are called obstetricians, and they are committed to the well-being of the pregnant woman and her growing fetus. An obstetrician guides the pregnant woman through prenatal care, delivery of the baby, and the postpartum period – the health of the mother and the baby.

The importance of obstetrics is reflected in better outcomes for the mother and child who received this specialized medical care. Let’s talk about how obstetrics works and where you can go for issues with fertility, pregnancy, and women’s healthcare.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNECOLOGISTS

Most practicing obstetricians are also gynecologists, and this type of doctor is often called an OB/GYN. Whereas obstetrics involves healthcare surrounding pregnancy, gynecology involves care of all issues surrounding women’s reproductive health – such as having an annual Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.

OBSTETRIC SERVICES

An obstetrician cares for a woman’s health before, during, and after pregnancy. This doctor also specializes in caring for the unborn child, and is able to treat pregnancy complications and to care for patients with high-risk pregnancies. Examples of complications include ectopic pregnancies, placenta issues, high blood pressure, and fetal distress.

During your first prenatal visit, the obstetrician will run some tests that include a complete blood count, blood type testing, and a urinalysis. If the woman develops gestational diabetes, it typically occurs during the later part of pregnancy in women who are not already at high risk for the disease.

An obstetrician also supervises labor and delivery of the baby, including Cesarean delivery, and makes sure the newborn receives the proper care. Furthermore, the obstetrician will develop a postpartum care plan that includes providing emotional support to the mother and helping with recovery after childbirth, lactation consultation, and newborn safety.

Many birthing plans include rooming-in, where the newborn is kept with the mother for skin-to-skin contact after delivery. Postpartum care plans are designed to enhance a mother’s and her baby’s health and well-being.

WHEN TO SEE AN OBSTETRICIAN

Women who are planning to be pregnant should schedule a visit with their obstetrician. Prenatal care ideally begins even before conception in order to have a healthy pregnancy and good outcomes.

OBSTETRICIAN IN WOOSTER, OH

Wooster Community Hospital’s Women’s Pavilion provides comprehensive maternity care for women. Our top-notch obstetrics team offers personalized care and is very flexible, and we respect your wishes for your child’s birth. We are a level II maternity service, able to treat complications during labor and delivery as they arise.

Our birthing suites are large and meet the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are restricting visitors to our birthing suites during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic, but we allow one support person for your and your baby’s safety. Your health and safety are our top priority.

If you have any questions about our services or if you would like to schedule a consultation with a Wooster Community Hospital obstetrician, call the Women’s Pavilion today at (330) 202-5548. We look forward to seeing you here.