An obstetrician specializes in the care of pregnant women, as well as the delivery of babies. Obstetricians provide comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, including monitoring your health and the baby. They also advise on potential risks and support you through difficult decisions. Obstetrics McAllen, TX, entails taking a detailed medical history and physical examination, ordering blood tests and ultrasounds, prescribing medications, and giving vaccinations.
An obstetrician can be present during labor and delivery to ensure that you have a safe and smooth experience. They will assess the progress of labor and discuss available options with you for pain relief or other interventions.
What happens during your consultation with an obstetrician?
The consultation with your obstetrician will vary depending on the stage of your pregnancy. At the initial visit, they may review your medical history and perform a physical examination to assess your overall health. They can also discuss lifestyle changes you may need to make to ensure a healthy pregnancy, such as quitting smoking or taking prenatal supplements.
The services you can expect
These are some of the services:
Preconception counseling
When it comes to having a healthy pregnancy, your obstetrician can provide preconception counseling. This consultation helps assess any risks or underlying health issues that could affect the pregnancy and offer advice on reducing them.
Maternal health care
Throughout the pregnancy, your obstetrician will monitor your maternal health by performing regular physical exams, ordering blood tests, and performing ultrasounds. They will also advise on any lifestyle changes you may need to make to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Labor and delivery care
Your obstetrician can be present during labor and delivery to provide support and guidance throughout the process. They will assess the progress of labor and recommend interventions if necessary.
Postpartum care
After the baby is born, your obstetrician can provide postpartum care to help you transition to life with a newborn. They can offer advice on things like breastfeeding and infant care and answer any questions related to your health.
Follow-up appointments
Your obstetrician will typically schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that you and your baby stay healthy. This can include physical exams, blood tests, advice on lifestyle changes, or any other topics related to your health.
Apart from the services mentioned, these are the conditions an obstetrician can help treat:
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can increase your risk of complications during pregnancy. An obstetrician will monitor your blood pressure throughout the pregnancy and provide advice on managing any high readings.
- Gestational diabetes: This is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. An obstetrician can help diagnose the condition, offer treatment options, and advise on lifestyle changes to help manage it.
- Preterm labor refers to labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. An obstetrician can monitor your health and provide interventions if necessary, such as medications or other treatments to stop preterm labor.
- Miscarriage: In the case of a miscarriage, an obstetrician can provide support and advice on how to manage the situation best. They can also discuss options for future pregnancies, such as genetic testing or other treatments.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, your obstetrician at the Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley can help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy.