The Role of an Obstetrician: Beyond Delivering Babies

Obstetrician

An obstetrician plays a very important role in women’s reproductive health. While they are primarily associated with prenatal care and delivering babies, their scope of practice often extends far beyond the labor and delivery room.

Obstetricians provide comprehensive care for women at every stage of life, addressing a wide range of gynecological and obstetric concerns with expertise and compassion. This article will talk about the different roles of an obstetrician beyond delivering babies.

Gynecological Care

Beyond pregnancy, obstetricians – particularly OB-GYNs – offer comprehensive gynecological care to women of all ages and provide the following services:

  • Annual Well-Woman Exams – Providing routine well-woman exams which include pelvic examinations, breast exams, and screenings for gynecological conditions such as cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • Management of Menstrual Disorders – Diagnosing and treating menstrual disorders such as irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), and painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
  • Treatment of Gynecological Conditions – Providing medical and surgical treatment for various gynecological conditions, including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and ovarian cysts.
  • Screening for Gynecological Cancers – Screening for gynecological cancers, including cervical cancer and ovarian cancer through Pap smears and pelvic ultrasound.

Family Planning

OB-GYNs play a key role in family planning by offering counseling and guidance on contraception and fertility.

  • Contraception Counseling – Providing information on various contraceptive methods, from oral contraceptives to intrauterine devices (IUDs), they help individuals choose the most suitable contraception based on factors like personal preferences and effectiveness.
  • Preconception Counseling – Offering preconception counseling to individuals or couples planning a pregnancy to enhance the chances of a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Infertility Evaluation and Treatment – Assessing and managing infertility and offering fertility treatments such as ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI), and referral to fertility specialists for advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Obstetricians work closely with patients to develop personalized family planning strategies that align with their reproductive goals and preferences, whether it involves preventing pregnancy, achieving conception, or managing infertility challenges.

A Healthy Pregnancy

Obstetricians also assist with prenatal care and pregnancy and provide the following services:

  • Genetic Counseling – Genetic counseling to individuals at risk of hereditary conditions, offering guidance on genetic testing and pregnancy management to minimize the risk of passing on genetic disorders to offspring.
  • Pregnancy Planning – Assist individuals in planning pregnancies by guiding optimal timing and lifestyle modifications and identifying any medical conditions that may impact pregnancy outcomes.
  • Support for High-Risk Pregnancies – Specialized care and monitoring for individuals with high-risk pregnancies, including those with preexisting medical conditions, advanced maternal age, and previous pregnancy complications, to optimize maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Postpartum Care

Obstetricians offer postpartum care following childbirth. Postpartum care refers to the medical and emotional support provided to a woman after childbirth to ensure her physical and emotional well-being during the postpartum period.

Postpartum care an obstetrician provides may include the following:

  • Post-delivery check-ups
  • Monitoring recovery
  • Addressing breastfeeding challenges
  • Managing postpartum depression
  • Providing support for the physical and emotional adjustments after giving birth

Menopausal Care

As women transition into menopause, OB-GYNs continue to help with addressing the physical and emotional changes associated with this life stage, offering support and management for the following:

  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Mood swings
  • Weight gain

Obstetricians can guide you on preventive measures for age-related health concerns such as osteoporosis and heart disease.

Sexual Health and Wellness

Obstetricians can be your ally when it comes to sexual health and wellness. They are equipped to address a range of issues concerning sexual dysfunction:

  • Lack of desire
  • Difficulties with arousal
  • Challenges in achieving orgasm or delayed orgasm
  • Pain during sex

OB-GYNs serve as educators, empowering women with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. As a woman, it can be a relief to know there is a physician who is specially trained and focused on your care and well-being.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Wooster, OH

If you are searching for a women’s health provider, choose the OB-GYNs at Wooster Community Hospital. Most of our obstetricians are also trained in gynecology, which allows us to provide comprehensive women’s health services throughout all stages of life.

Wooster Community Hospital has a dedicated Women’s Pavilion, which is a level II maternity service. The staff is qualified and capable of addressing complications before or after pregnancy. In addition, we have a Women’s Specialty Center where we provide wellness services such as bone density and breast cancer screening.

We provide gynecology and contraception services at Bloomington Women’s Care, which is part of the Wooster Community Hospital Health System.

To schedule an appointment with one of our OB-GYNs, call our office today at (330) 263-8100 or use our convenient online form. Our team ensures you receive the highest quality women’s health services.