What Does An Obstetrician Do? Understanding the Role of Pregnancy Specialists

Pregnant woman In pic

We all know that obstetricians are healthcare providers whose focus is on caring for patients throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and the first several weeks of the postpartum (after childbirth) period. However, you may be wondering what an obstetrician does specifically – and how their special skills and training can ensure that you to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Let’s take a closer look at the wide-ranging role these specialists fulfill.

COMPREHENSIVE PREGNANCY CARE

First and foremost, an obstetrician provides routine prenatal care. This includes:

  • Conducting prenatal exams, screenings, and lab tests
  • Evaluating your baby’s development (size, growth, position) in your uterus
  • Detecting any congenital anomalies or potential complications
  • Monitoring your pregnancy using ultrasound, blood tests, urinalysis, and other tools
  • Providing treatment for any health conditions that may affect your pregnancy or your baby

In addition, an obstetrician manages labor and delivery, including labor induction, any emergencies, and necessary medications. They also provide postpartum care for up to six weeks after you give birth.

Besides monitoring your general wellness while you are pregnant, your obstetrician also checks for any diseases or conditions associated with pregnancy and those that can pose a risk to your health or that of your growing baby. Common conditions that an obstetrician can help manage are:

  • Ectopic pregnancies (fertilized egg growing outside the uterus) or miscarriages
  • Genetic disorders
  • Gestational diabetes
  • High blood pressure or preeclampsia
  • Infections
  • Morning sickness (nausea)
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Placental abruption (placenta separation from the wall of the uterus before birth)
  • Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)

In addition, an obstetrician is trained to perform surgeries that are related to pregnancy, labor, and delivery, such as:

  • Cervical cerclage (temporarily sewing the cervix closed with stitches to prevent preterm birth)
  • Cesarean (C-section) delivery
  • Dilation and curettage (D&C) (removal of tissue from inside the uterus)
  • Episiotomy (surgical incision to aid a difficult delivery)
  • Vaginal delivery

Oftentimes, an obstetrician will have additional training and experience in managing higher-risk pregnancies. If not, they will refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

After you give birth, your obstetrician will monitor your bleeding, bladder and bowel function, and look for any signs of blood clots or other postpartum conditions that may arise. If your recovery is going well, your obstetrician will discharge you from the hospital within one to four days.

OBSTETRICIAN IN WOOSTER, OHIO

At Wooster Community Hospital’s Women’s Pavilion, we not only have board-certified obstetricians, but also an obstetrical team that includes certified nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives who are highly experienced and well-equipped to provide you with the personalized, expert care you need during your pregnancy, delivery, and beyond.

We offer the personal touch and close-to-home ambiance of a smaller hospital, where all of our providers and staff are flexible when it comes to the labor and delivery experience, accommodating your birth plans and respecting your wishes.

Just as important, the Women’s Pavilion is a Level II maternity service, meaning that if any complications arise before or after delivery, you can be appropriately cared for. Wooster Community Hospital also collaborates with Akron Children’s Hospital, offering a Special Care Nursery for newborns that require additional care.

To learn more about our outstanding obstetrical services or to schedule a tour of our facility, contact the Women’s Pavilion at (330) 202-5540, and we will be happy to accommodate you.