Obstetrics Q & A
What is obstetrics?
Obstetrics is an area of medical specialty focused on pregnancy and childbirth. While many doctors can deliver babies, an obstetrician receives extensive training and hands-on skill-building in all aspects of childbirth.
Obstetricians earn a medical degree and complete a four-year residency program focused on gynecology and obstetrics. During that specialized training, obstetricians learn about prenatal care, pregnancy, and all aspects of labor and delivery. They are trained to respond to a vast range of potential complications that can arise during pregnancy and childbirth.
Those obstetricians who pursue certification through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology have additional training and successfully passed rigorous written and oral exams to demonstrate proficiency in their area of practice.
What does an obstetrician do?
Your obstetrician acts as your partner throughout your pregnancy, working closely with you to monitor your health and the health of your developing child. Prenatal care visits are an important part of pregnancy and are your opportunity to ask questions and express concerns as they arise.
During prenatal care, your obstetrician screens for health issues like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, genetic disorders, and various infections. If an issue is detected, your obstetrician takes the time to explain all available treatment options.
Your obstetrician also serves as a trusted advisor on all aspects of your pregnancy. If you have questions about optimal diet and exercise plans during pregnancy, your obstetrician is an excellent resource.
Every pregnancy is unique. If you encounter problems with morning sickness, heartburn, back pain, or sleep disruptions, your obstetrician helps you find relief.
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a written outline of how you would like your childbirth experience to play out. It serves as a roadmap for your preferences. Some of the things commonly included in a birth plan are:
- Who will be present
- Which birthing position(s) are preferred
- Pain relief preferences
- Whether you’d like to be mobile or remain in bed during labor
- Whether you’ll begin breastfeeding immediately after birth
- Preferences on episiotomy
Your birth plan can be simple or contain as many details as you like. An important part of the plan involves mapping out how you would like to handle potential complications.
It’s also important to remember that childbirth is a dynamic process and that things can change in a matter of seconds. Your birth plan provides a written map of your preferences, but the experience itself dictates how your labor and delivery plays out.
If you have questions about any aspect of pregnancy or delivery, schedule a visit at Coeur OBGYN today, online or by phone.
Obstetrics Q & A
What is obstetrics?
Obstetrics is an area of medical specialty focused on pregnancy and childbirth. While many doctors can deliver babies, an obstetrician receives extensive training and hands-on skill-building in all aspects of childbirth.
Obstetricians earn a medical degree and complete a four-year residency program focused on gynecology and obstetrics. During that specialized training, obstetricians learn about prenatal care, pregnancy, and all aspects of labor and delivery. They are trained to respond to a vast range of potential complications that can arise during pregnancy and childbirth.
Those obstetricians who pursue certification through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology have additional training and successfully passed rigorous written and oral exams to demonstrate proficiency in their area of practice.
What does an obstetrician do?
Your obstetrician acts as your partner throughout your pregnancy, working closely with you to monitor your health and the health of your developing child. Prenatal care visits are an important part of pregnancy and are your opportunity to ask questions and express concerns as they arise.
During prenatal care, your obstetrician screens for health issues like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, genetic disorders, and various infections. If an issue is detected, your obstetrician takes the time to explain all available treatment options.
Your obstetrician also serves as a trusted advisor on all aspects of your pregnancy. If you have questions about optimal diet and exercise plans during pregnancy, your obstetrician is an excellent resource.
Every pregnancy is unique. If you encounter problems with morning sickness, heartburn, back pain, or sleep disruptions, your obstetrician helps you find relief.
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a written outline of how you would like your childbirth experience to play out. It serves as a roadmap for your preferences. Some of the things commonly included in a birth plan are:
- Who will be present
- Which birthing position(s) are preferred
- Pain relief preferences
- Whether you’d like to be mobile or remain in bed during labor
- Whether you’ll begin breastfeeding immediately after birth
- Preferences on episiotomy
Your birth plan can be simple or contain as many details as you like. An important part of the plan involves mapping out how you would like to handle potential complications.
It’s also important to remember that childbirth is a dynamic process and that things can change in a matter of seconds. Your birth plan provides a written map of your preferences, but the experience itself dictates how your labor and delivery plays out.
If you have questions about any aspect of pregnancy or delivery, schedule a visit at Coeur OBGYN today, online or by phone.
