Obstetricians are highly trained doctors who specialise in the care of people during their pregnancy and childbirth. Obstetricians help women throughout the year, from preconception counselling to postpartum follow-up care. This article address what obstetricians do for female health and wellbeing, and how they can help you during your time of need.
What can an obstetrician do?
Obstetricians offer valuable assistance to many women of all ages. Here are some of the ways obstetricians can help you:
Education
Pregnancy and childbirth can be confusing subjects for many people. An obstetrician educates individuals about what they can expect during the months leading up to delivery so they know what is going on. Obstetricians can also teach expectant parents how to manage contractions, encourage breathing exercises and give advice when it comes to female health issues like vaginal discharge.
Pre-birth
Women who are pregnant may be asked to visit an obstetrician for regular check-up appointments to ensure their baby is healthy. When a woman is in active labour, the obstetrician will be present to oversee the process and make sure the baby is delivered safely.
Labour and delivery
A doctor is there to help you during labour and delivery whenever you need it. The more experience an obstetrician has in these situations the better your chances of a smooth delivery will be.
Postpartum care
Many women experience postpartum depression after giving birth, and obstetricians are trained to deal with this and other mental health issues. An obstetrician is present during this time period to ensure the mother is getting the most out of her post-birth recovery. The doctor can make sure you have received any outstanding vaccinations and can follow up on any ongoing health concerns which started during the pregnancy such as high blood pressure.
How to reach out to an obstetrician
Preparing for birth is always an important and involved process. If you would like to find out more about what an obstetrician can do for you, contact one today. Obstetricians work with many different physicians throughout the country, so it might take some time to locate one that will be able to meet your needs. You can either head over to the hospital or call up an obstetrician's office and ask for directions. If you are planning on giving birth in a hospital, finding a doctor at the hospital who works closely with obstetricians is almost always the best option.