Obstetricians are medical doctors that specialize in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Obstetricians help women who are expecting a child by overseeing the entire process of conception, prenatal development, labor, delivery, and recovery. They provide general health care needs like conducting physical exams during pregnancy, prescribing medications when necessary, and treating diseases. As much as they play a vital role in your wellbeing, you may wonder why you should take time to visit the best Edinburg, TX obstetrics practice. If so, you have come to the right place. Here are some reasons why you need to see an obstetrician.
Overall Physical Health
One of the best reasons to visit an obstetrician is to provide you with a general health assessment. This exam is much more comprehensive than your yearly check-up since it will be done once a year during your pregnancy. You can expect them to look for symptoms such as diabetes, infections, and weight gain, along with taking blood pressure readings. They will also get you screened for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other related conditions.
Pregnancy Safety
According to recent statistics, about 50 million births occur globally every year. For this reason, obstetricians have become more aware of potential pregnancy safety issues for women who are expecting a child or who may be trying to conceive. Make sure your doctor is fully aware of all medications you are taking before prescribing something new. If you are currently taking any medication, make sure to let your doctor know. Obtaining a proper diagnosis will ensure that you are using the right drugs for your child’s safety.
Prenatal Care And Education
Obstetricians are responsible for providing prenatal care before delivery and education afterward. Their visits during pregnancy offer them an opportunity to monitor the health of both you and your unborn child. You may also learn about proper nutrition, fitness, body changes, and other things involved in pregnancy. Obstetricians can help to make sure everything goes smoothly for women before childbirth.
Breast Exams
One of the best reasons to see an obstetrician is to help detect breast cancer and other related conditions early. Most women will start seeing an obstetrician around the time of their first pregnancy, but you may want to visit one beforehand as well. At this visit, they will spend about 30 minutes conducting a breast exam and looking for signs of cancer. If a lump is detected, they will perform a mammogram and refer you to a breast surgeon if necessary.
Pelvic Exams
Obstetricians are also responsible for conducting a comprehensive pelvic exam for women with a vaginal infection or other conditions. This type of exam will involve a speculum, the same tool used by pap smears. Your doctor can prescribe medication to help with any conditions you may have.
In summary, an obstetrician is a medical professional specializing in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. You may need to see one to improve your overall health and benefit from the prenatal care and education they offer. You can also schedule an appointment if you need breast or pelvic exams.
