Pregnancy
As an expectant mother, going for regular prenatal visits is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby. Obstetrics care, like that offered by an OBGYN Trinity specialist, is designed to help lower the risk of complications, manage your preexisting conditions, maintain a healthy diet, monitor your baby’s development, and more. It comprises prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postnatal care for you and your baby. But why exactly should you partner with an obstetrician during your term? Here are five ways these professionals can help you before, during, and after your pregnancy.
Checkup and Education
When you and your obstetrician confirm your pregnancy, you will usually schedule your first prenatal appointment. This session may last an hour or longer, during which time your provider will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, do some bloodwork, and estimate your due date. This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have about the pregnancy, your diet, your current medical condition, and other concerns about your health. In addition to answering your questions, your doctor will advise and educate you on important matters such as exercise, rest, and prenatal vitamins.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care refers to the care you receive during your first, second, and third trimesters. Your doctor will schedule regular visits with you to monitor the pregnancy and identify and address any risks before they become threatening. Usually, you will receive advice about harmful substances, how to avoid them, and medications and whether they are safe for your baby. Your doctor will also perform regular screenings to check for common conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension.
Pregnancy Care
Nearly similar to prenatal care, pregnancy care focuses on your baby’s development. You can expect appointments to center around your blood pressure, weight gain, the baby’s heart rate, growth, and more. Your obstetrician will regularly check the baby’s position, especially as you near the end of the third trimester. If you want to, you can also find out the sex of your baby.
Labor and Delivery Support
Did you know that pregnancy care continues even into labor? Your midwife and obstetrician can be present during the actual birth to help you through the process. Depending on your birth plan, they can help you breathe, get into comfortable positions, push, get an epidural, and more. They can also ensure you and your baby remain healthy and safe during birth.
Postpartum Care
A significant portion of pregnancy care is designed to help you through your nine months of pregnancy. However, many obstetricians provide postpartum care for between six to eight weeks after your delivery. The services offered are geared toward helping you cope with the emotional and physical aftermaths of delivery and can include proper nutrition, rest coaching, and vaginal care.
Do You Think You’re Pregnant? Contact Your Obstetrician Today
Pregnancy can take a toll on your emotional, psychological, and physical health, which is why you should never go through it alone. Obstetrics care can help keep you and your baby healthy during the entire period, increasing the chances of a healthy, complication-free delivery. If you have just found out or suspect you are pregnant, call an obstetrics clinic today to get started on your pregnancy care.