A woman’s health is of the utmost concern when they are pregnant. If you are a soon-to-be mother, you must meet with doctors and receive much-needed care.
Obstetrics is a field of medicine that doctors specialize in to help pregnant women. You may have heard of this term from OB/GYN, which is a specialty that combines obstetrics and gynecology. Let’s learn more about obstetrics,its role during pregnancy, and where you can go for world-class OB/GYN care in Syracuse, NY.
What Is Obstetrics?
Obstetrics is the field of medicine that relates to the healthcare of pregnant women. Providers in this field are known as obstetricians and don’t primarily treat diseases.
Instead, they focus on treating women who are expecting a baby. Obstetrics covers everything from pre-natal to post-natal care.
Obstetricians monitor the health of the mother and the baby to delivery. Obstetricians are knowledgeable in ultrasounds and other examinations to prevent complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Their expertise also allows them to address problems should any arise.
What Is Obstetrics for During Pregnancy?
As mentioned, obstetrics focuses on the mother and baby’s health during pregnancy and after childbirth. Therefore, obstetric services help women safely go through the birthing process.
Prenatal Care
An example of a service you can expect from obstetricians is the numerous appointments a pregnant woman makes throughout pregnancy.
During the first visit, your doctor will assess your general health to determine any possible complications you may encounter.
In subsequent visits, your obstetrician will monitor various aspects of your health. Examples include your weight and blood pressure. They may also test your urine, as it can provide more information about your health.
Additionally, your obstetrician will follow the growth and health of the fetus.
Labor and Delivery
Obstetrics also plays a significant role during labor and delivery. As your due date draws near, your body begins to prepare for the birth of your baby. Delivery is different for each person, and your obstetrician will be with you every step of the way.
They are knowledgeable in the two main types of delivery:
- Vaginal delivery – the baby naturally passes through the vagina
- C-section delivery – the doctor makes an incision in the abdomen to deliver the baby
Managing Complications During Pregnancy
There are severe medical conditions that can occur to women during their pregnancy. One example is preeclampsia which causes high blood pressure, swelling, and headaches. Your vision will also blur, and protein can appear in your urine.
Another complication that can arise during pregnancy is a miscarriage. It is when a pregnancy ends unexpectedly within the first 20 weeks of gestation.
Placental abruption is another. It occurs when the placenta, an organ that connects the fetus to your uterus, detaches. It results in the fetus not receiving enough oxygen or nutrients from the mother.
Obstetricians can manage these problems and many more that can occur during pregnancy.
What Is The Difference Between Obstetrics and Gynecology?
Obstetrics and Gynecology are often linked to one another thanks to their focus areas of medicine.
Gynecology is a subspecialty focusing on the female reproductive system. Since Obstetrics also involves this system, doctors often combine these two subspecialties into what we commonly know as OB/GYN.
But why are these two considered separate fields of medicine? The answer is that the female reproductive system is a complex area of study.
There is so much that can happen to a woman’s reproductive health even without a pregnancy. Obstetrics involves conditions and medical procedures exclusive to pregnant women, of which an obstetrician should have expertise.
Trusted Obstetrician in Syracuse, NY
Here at University OB/GYN Associates in Syracuse, NY, we are committed to providing you with the best reproductive healthcare. Our obstetricians, gynecologists, and other medical specialists will help you have a healthy pregnancy. Our doctors will work with you to keep you in the best shape and ensure the safe delivery of your baby.
If you have more questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our helpful staff at (315) 464-5162. You may also use our convenient online request form to book a visit with a trusted obstetrician in Syracuse, NY.
We look forward to serving you!
