Learn More About Obstetrician Waco

By Lisa Lewis


Generally, obstetricians are specialists in pregnancy, childbirth and reproductive system of women. Nevertheless, other health care professionals can deliver babies but visiting an obstetrician Waco becomes more advantageous. This is because the obstetrician will offer care during pregnancy as well as follow-up after giving birth. On the other hand, obstetricians provides surgical care during the pregnancy or at birth and postnatal care.

Some obstetricians focus on a branch of obstetrics referred to as maternal-fetal medicine. The branch places focus on expectant women who suffer chronic health conditions or other unusual health issues that may occur during pregnancy. Consequently, physicians handling maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) are considered as experts of high-risk. Therefore, it is vital to visit MFM doctors should the chronic condition have a likelihood of affecting the pregnancy. Some women in other instances visit these experts even prior to conception with the aim of developing a schedule for their pregnancy.

Women usually visit obstetricians for routine prenatal care. The first appointments usually happen at around eight weeks of missed menstrual period. Consequently, one will be needed to visit a physician once in a month over the duration of pregnancy. Obstetricians administer the treatment after and during pregnancy in case they are high-risk ones. Some conditions that cause high-risk pregnancies include carrying multiple babies, cesarean delivery, miscarriage history, preterm labor, chronic health conditions, pregnancy complications as well as lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking that affect the baby.

Nonetheless, the OB by relying on routine ultrasounds, measurements and tests will monitor the wellbeing of a mother and that of the developing baby. The OB as well examines other complications like blood pressure, genetic disorders, infections, and diabetes. In addition, the obstetrician gives advice on diet, exercises, medications and keeping healthy in pregnancy. They also assist the expectant women cope with morning sickness, heartburns, leg and back pains, and other complaints during pregnancy.

Some doctors choose to practice both gynecology and obstetrics. However, a difference exists between the two practices although they both deal with the body of a woman. Basically, the obstetrician cares for the mother and the unborn child during the pregnancy, childbirth, and prenatal care to ensure the mother is recovering well.

However, gynecology focuses on treatment of disorders and diseases that affect reproductive system of a female. This may include various organs such as ovaries, cervix, uterus, and vagina. Still, gynecology also focuses on areas of bladder, bowel and various urinary systems.

Apart from obstetricians, a pregnant woman may see other health professionals such as midwives. Midwives are simply experts in normal births and pregnancies. They are specifically trained to handle mothers and babies during a normal pregnancy, labor, birth, and after child birth. Again, they are also available at birth and may offer their services both in the community and in hospitals.

Other healthcare specialists who help in pain relief and anesthesia are the anesthetists. An anesthetist is charged with ensuring a patient remains pain-free during labor period. In addition, the anesthetist administers an appropriate anesthesia during the C-section or instrumental delivery.




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