Obstetrician

An obstetrician cares for a woman and her baby during pregnancy, delivery and the short time after birth known as puerperium. Most of the time, an obstetrician will also practice as a gynecologist. Someone who practices primarily in obstetrics will most likely deal with women who are experiencing a difficult or complicated pregnancy or expect a difficult birth. Some of the problems women can experience during pregnancy include diabetes and high blood pressure. An obstetrician will also be involved if there are problems related to the baby, such as a birth defect or difficult delivery.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. Obstetrics is much more than just physical health care. An obstetrician is expected to be able to help a woman through the emotional and social aspects of a difficult pregnancy, as well.
  2. Most women will go through pregnancy and birth with their general practitioner or gynecologist. Obstetricians are specialized in difficult births, and most pregnant women won’t be referred to one.
  3. Because obstetricians are typically on-call, most women will experience delivery with the same specialist who has helped them through their pregnancy. However, there are instances where another on-call obstetrician must perform the delivery. While most women prefer a familiar doctor, there is no evidence to suggest their care is jeopardized by having a different obstetrician perform the birth.
  4. Obstetricians don’t usually work with midwives, since most often they’re dealing with high-risk pregnancies. However, many are willing to accommodate alternative requests, such as water or natural births.
  5. Many fertility experts are also obstetricians.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Obstetrician

  1. How many births have you performed?
  2. How can I get in contact with you once I’m in labor? What are your arrangements should you be unavailable?
  3. What is your involvement following the birth?

Also Known As: Accoucheur

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