An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In order to become an obstetrician, one must complete four years of medical school and four years of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology.
Obstetricians are trained to manage high-risk pregnancies, deliver babies, and provide care for both mother and child during the postpartum period. They also provide well-woman gynecologic care, which includes screenings for cervical cancer and STDs. Many obstetricians also offer family planning services such as contraception counseling.
What Does an Obstetrician Do?
An obstetrician provides comprehensive prenatal care for expectant mothers. This includes routine checkups, screenings, and diagnostic tests. Obstetricians also provide education on a variety of topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
In addition to routine prenatal care, obstetricians are trained to manage high-risk pregnancies. They may provide specialized care for pregnant women with diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic medical conditions. Obstetricians may also offer fetal surgery or other interventions for pregnancies complicated by birth defects or other problems.
When it is time for delivery, an obstetrician will be present to assist with the birth of the baby. In most cases, this will involve vaginal delivery; however, some births may require a C-section. After the baby is born, the obstetrician will provide care for both mother and child during the postpartum period.
Choosing an obstetrician is an important decision that expecting mothers need to make. It is important to find an obstetrician that you are comfortable with and who you feel you can trust. When meeting with potential candidates, be sure to ask about their experience with high-risk pregnancies and their philosophy on interventions such as C-sections or induction of labor. Most importantly, choose an obstetrician that makes you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to provide you with high-quality care throughout your pregnancy and delivery.
