A Guide On The Work Of Obstetricians

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Obstetricians, commonly referred to as OBGYNs, are medical professionals who specialise in female reproductive health. This article details the work of OBGYNs and the considerations to make when engaging an obstetrician. 

What Is The Work Of Obstetricians? 

An obstetrician performs the following work: 

Pregnancy Support

Pregnant women can significantly benefit from an obstetrician's services. Typically, the professional conducts regular assessments to monitor the baby's growth. For example, they will conduct ultrasound tests to check if the unborn baby has defects that could complicate childbirth. Although the obstetrician will not be present during delivery, they will regularly consult with their clients to address any childbirth complications. For instance, they could recommend a caesarean section if you experience prolonged labour or if the baby is positioned abnormally. After birth, the professional will examine the baby and mother to ensure that they are healthy. Besides, they will provide vital information regarding breastfeeding, diets and vaccinations. 

Fertility 

The obstetrician will help you take control of your fertility. For example, they will inform you about the various birth control options and recommend methods that suit you best. For instance, they could advise you against the use of hormonal therapies if you have an existing medical condition or if you have weight issues. The obstetrician can also help diagnose, treat and manage fertility issues such as infertility, damage to the fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders and endometriosis. If you wish to try Vitro fertilisation, the professional will guide you through the process. 

Considerations When Engaging An Obstetrician 

This guide will help you choose an obstetrician: 

  • The obstetrician must have a practising licence and medical malpractice insurance. Besides, they should be members of a professional body. 
  • Examine the professional's experience. Obstetricians with several years of experience and industry accreditations are likely to offer quality services. Some professionals might have been involved in research or undertaken post-graduate training.
  • If the obstetrician has a clinic, inquire about the tests they conduct. Typically, the clinic should be a one-stop-shop for all your fertility and pregnancy needs.
  • Check the professional's availability. For instance, if you have a busy schedule, you might opt to work with professionals who work after hours.
  • What is the professional's temperament? The obstetrician should be a person who is easy to talk to. Remember, some fertility issues might be challenging to talk about.
  • Does the professional offer personalised services? For example, some obstetricians integrate telemedicine to improve their services and reduce the patient's trips to the clinic.  

Obstetricians will help you with pregnancy and fertility issues. Observe the recommended guidelines when choosing an obstetrician near you. 

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7 December 2021

What Can You Expect During A Pap Smear?

As long as you are sexually active, visits to an OBGYN should be scheduled at least annually. During these visits, the doctor will carry out a barrage of tests to investigate your sexual health. One test that you are bound to undergo is a pap smear. This test checks for abnormal cervical cells that could be indicative of an increased risk of cervical cancer. So what can you expect? First, it is best to schedule this test when you are not menstruating. Although pelvic exams can be carried out while on your period, the lighter the flow, the better the accuracy of the pap smear. Secondly, one should expect minor discomfort since the tests involves the insertion of a speculum and the extraction of cervical cells. Check out the posts here to learn about pap smears and other tests to expect at your annual visit to an OBGYN.