When you’re a woman, you’re constantly bombarded with grey’s anatomy-level jargon. While no one wants you to be a walking library of medical information, it is beneficial to identify and grasp some essential terminology in relation to your reproductive health. Is it one of them? Obstetrics.
If you’re pregnant, attempting to conceive, or just believe it’s a distant possibility in the near future, you’ll want to have at least a superficial understanding of what obstetricians perform and what comes within their jurisdiction and expertise. So, let’s take a deeper look at the industry and what it implies for you.
What exactly is the difference between an obstetrician and a gynecologist?
Obstetrics and gynecology are actually considered one medical specialty. It does, however, include two distinct specialties or disciplines. Obstetrics & Gynecology, is the “treatment of pregnant women, the unborn infant, labor and delivery, and the immediate time after childbirth.” gynecology is concerned with reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, ovaries, and vagina.
Have you ever wondered why so many physicians are referred to as obgyn? Because the specializations are so closely connected, physicians often get training and instruction for both throughout their undergraduate studies and their residency. As a result, many people will go on to specialize in both fields.
What is an obstetrician’s job throughout pregnancy?
When you find out you’re pregnant, you’ll start visiting your obstetrician or ob-gyn for standard prenatal care. Expect a lot of questions and testing (urinalysis, blood panels, etc.) During your initial session as your doctor attempts to evaluate any hazards to your pregnancy. This is usually done approximately eight weeks following your last period, however, some physicians arrange first pregnancy checkups a little sooner.
As your pregnancy develops, you’ll continue to visit your obstetrician on a regular basis — normally once a month until you’re towards the end when you’ll likely switch to once a week. Checking your baby’s progress and position, addressing any concerns you may have, and doing regular testing are all part of these check-ups. Some obstetricians also do ultrasounds in their offices.
What are some examples of obstetric conditions?
Certain complications may arise throughout your pregnancy and during labor and delivery. But don’t be concerned! Your obstetrician will also manage and/or treat them.
Ectopic pregnancy, shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulders become stuck during delivery), preeclampsia, foetal distress, placental abruption, uterine rupture, prolapsed cord (when the umbilical cord becomes stuck during delivery), obstetrical hemorrhage, sepsis (a life-threatening illness caused by your body’s response to infection), and other complications are among them.
Your obstetrician may also treat you for postpartum conditions related to birth and delivery, such as postpartum preeclampsia, problems with a C-section incision, experiencing more than the expected natural bleeding, as well as being the initial point of contact if you are suffering from postpartum depression, in which case they will connect you to an expert who can assist you.
What operations are performed by obstetricians?
If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, you may not see your doctor much throughout labor and delivery. They’ll probably come in every now and then to check on you, but you’ll be mostly looked for by nurses or midwives. When the big day arrives, your doctor will supervise the induction, if required, and return to execute a vaginal or cesarean birth. To assist vaginal birth, they may also need to conduct a forceps and vacuum delivery, as well as an episiotomy.