An obstetrician’s role during pregnancy and birth is to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. From the moment a woman discovers she is pregnant to the time of delivery and beyond, obstetricians are there to offer guidance, care, and support. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to choose an obstetrician who you feel comfortable with and who you trust to provide you with the best possible care throughout your pregnancy and childbirth journey.
Obstetrician’s Role During Pregnancy
From prenatal care to delivery and beyond, obstetricians provide critical medical care and support to help women navigate the complex and often challenging journey of pregnancy and motherhood. Here at Raleigh OB/GYN, our expertise and guidance can make all the difference in ensuring a healthy pregnancy, a safe delivery, and a positive postnatal experience for both you and your baby.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is important as it can help prevent pregnancy complications along with informing women about steps they can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Your obstetrician will typically schedule appointments every four weeks during the first and second trimesters and then every two weeks during the third trimester. During a women’s prenatal visit, your doctor will likely perform physical assessments such as checking your blood pressure, weight, and height.
In addition to these physical assessments, the obstetrician will also provide guidance and education on a range of topics, including proper nutrition, exercise, and common pregnancy discomforts such as morning sickness and back pain. They will also advise on the importance of avoiding certain substances such as tobacco and alcohol, and offer support for mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.
Labor And Birth
When the time comes for labor and delivery, the obstetrician’s role becomes even more critical. They will work with the mother and her support team to manage the stages of labor, ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby and provide any necessary medical interventions. Common complications during labor and birth include
- Labor that does not progress: Also called failure to progress, this is when any of the stages of labor are prolonged.
- Preeclampsia: A condition that can increase the risk of placental abruption
- Problems with the umbilical cord: The umbilical cord may sometimes get caught on an arm or leg and, in severe cases, can wrap around the baby’s neck.
- Abnormal heart rate of the baby: Abnormal heart rate does not always lead to serious complications. However, close attention to this is required.
- Perineal tears: A vaginal tear occurs during birth and is an injury to the tissue surrounding your vagina and anus.
- Perinatal asphyxia: A lack of blood flow to or from the fetus before, during, or after the birth process.
Here at Raleigh OB/GYN, we have five delivering physicians. You should meet all of the physicians over the course of your prenatal care. Our providers share daytime call daily amongst our own group, so there is always someone available at the hospital for emergencies of urgent medical needs.
Postpartum Care
Once the baby is born, the obstetrician’s responsibilities do not end. They will continue to provide care to the mother and the baby during the postnatal period. This involves monitoring the mother for any complications, such as infections or postpartum depression, and providing support for breastfeeding, infant care, and contraception options. Keep in mind that the recovery process can take several weeks to months.
Overall, obstetricians play a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy and childbirth. If you have more questions about an obstetrician’s role during pregnancy and birth, contact us at 919-876-8225 or request an appointment online.
