Why Would I Be Referred to Obstetrics?
When expecting a baby or planning to get pregnant, your primary care physician may refer you to an obstetrician for specialized care. Obstetrics is a branch of medicine that focuses on supporting individuals throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Here are some reasons you may be referred to an obstetrics team:
Pre-pregnancy Counseling
Pre-pregnancy counseling helps prepare you for a healthy pregnancy and addresses potential concerns beforehand. Obstetricians can review your medical history, previous pregnancy complications, and family medical history. This assessment helps identify any risks that may affect your pregnancy. Some medications can adversely affect pregnancy or fetal development. An obstetrician will evaluate your current medications and recommend alternatives or adjustments to make sure they are safe to continue while trying to conceive. Pre-pregnancy counseling also helps educate you about proper nutrition and exercise during pregnancy.
Hormonal Monitoring
During pregnancy, the body experiences hormonal changes to support the growth of the embryo. Obstetricians can track levels of hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG), progesterone, and estrogen throughout your pregnancy. These hormones help promote a healthy pregnancy and allow your doctor to assess your progress. The obstetrician may recommend supplements or medications if atypical hormone production threatens your pregnancy.
Medical Conditions
Maternal medical conditions, such as pre-eclampsia, may increase risks for both mother and child during pregnancy. Obstetricians have specialized expertise to mitigate complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or nervous system disorders. Close oversight of a high-risk pregnancy helps doctors detect problems earlier, enabling timely interventions that can improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
Pregnancy Weight Management
A mother’s pre-pregnancy weight can affect how a fetus develops in utero. Underweight women are susceptible to preterm births and low birth-weight babies. Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and cesarean deliveries. Obstetricians understand how maternal body size contributes to risks and can provide resources for weight management during pregnancy to promote better outcomes.
Multiple Fetuses
Carrying twins, triplets, or more babies amplifies medical complexities compared to one fetus. Obstetrics specialists closely monitor these pregnancies, as they may have an elevated risk of preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, reduced fetal growth, and congenital abnormalities. From scheduling more frequent prenatal visits to performing tests to identify any fetal complications, obstetricians offer comprehensive care.
Obstetric Procedures
Some procedures during pregnancy or delivery, like external cephalic versions (ECVs), amniocenteses, and assisted deliveries, require specialized obstetric training. ECVs involve manually turning a breech baby in late pregnancy to position the fetus for a safer delivery. Amniocentesis is a procedure where amniotic fluid is extracted from the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus for genetic testing or to assess the baby’s health. For prolonged labors or cases of fetal distress, obstetricians can use forceps or vacuum extraction to safely deliver the baby. If warranted, obstetricians may also perform a surgical delivery for the well-being of you and your child.
Visit an Obstetrics Specialist Today
Obstetricians provide comprehensive care, including prenatal check-ups, ultrasounds, and necessary screenings. They also offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications that promote a healthy pregnancy. Contact an experienced obstetrics team today to receive individualized pregnancy care.