Obstetrical Care During Pregnancy: What You Should Expect
The World Health Organization reports that 1 in 10 babies worldwide are born prematurely, often facing health challenges. Premature birth can lead to serious complications, including respiratory issues and developmental delays.
While these risks are concerning, the right obstetrical care can significantly reduce them. Regular checkups and screenings can keep both you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Obstetrical care also provides an opportunity to ask questions, address any concerns, and receive expert guidance. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or not, understanding what to expect can make the experience feel less overwhelming.
Don’t wait until you experience an issue so you can visit an obstetrician. Discover what obstetrical care involves and how it can support you on your journey to a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.
What is Obstetrics?
Obstetrics is a specialized medical field that focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It’s not only about delivering a baby. It also involves providing comprehensive support and medical attention to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the child.
Why is Obstetrical Care so Crucial?
Pregnancy brings about significant physical and emotional changes. Therefore, proper medical care is essential to navigate this journey safely. Quality obstetrical care helps:
- Monitor the baby’s development
- Prevent and manage complications
- Provide personalized guidance
The experts who provide this care are obstetricians and gynecologists (often referred to as OB/GYNs). These medical professionals have specialized training in women’s reproductive health.
Key Components of Obstetrical Care
Obstetrical care encompasses several vital components. Each is designed to address your specific needs during different pregnancy stages. These key aspects of care include:
- Prenatal visits
- Obstetric Ultrasound
- Screening and blood tests
- Fetal monitoring
- Labor and delivery planning
- Postpartum care
By covering these essential components, obstetrical care supports you through every pregnancy stage. It ensures a smoother and healthier pregnancy experience. If you have experienced pregnancy complications in the past, this care becomes even more crucial.
First Trimester: Initial Obstetrical Care
The first trimester is an exciting and critical time in your pregnancy. It lays the foundation for both your health and your baby’s development. The first prenatal visit sets the stage for the rest of your pregnancy.
During this visit, your doctor will:
- Review your medical history to assess potential risks
- Conduct physical examinations
- Perform lab tests
The physical examination will include:
- Measuring your weight,
- Checking blood pressure,
- Assessing your overall health.
Lab tests will help check for conditions like gestational diabetes or infections that could affect your pregnancy. In addition to these assessments, your doctor may perform obstetric ultrasound. This ultrasound will help confirm the pregnancy, check for multiple pregnancies, and identify early complications.
As you enter the first semester, you may experience symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
Obstetrical care is here to help you manage these conditions. You’ll receive advice on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and possible medications. Such personalized care at an early stage ensures that you are as comfortable as possible throughout the journey.
Second Trimester: Routine Monitoring & Screening
The second trimester is often termed as the “golden period” of pregnancy. It’s a time when you start feeling more energized as early pregnancy symptoms begin to subside. Your baby also undergoes significant growth and development during this phase.
As a result, you start to feel more connected to the changes in your body. Your pregnancy also becomes more visible. With this newfound energy, regular prenatal visits become key in tracking your health and your baby’s progress.
During these visits, expect your doctor to measure fetal growth and monitor vital signs. Your healthcare provider may recommend several screening tests to further monitor your pregnancy. The tests may include:
- Gestational diabetes test
- Genetic screening to check the risk of genetic conditions
A key part of second-trimester care is the anatomy ultrasound. The scan provides a closer look at your baby’s organs, bones, and overall development. It’s also important when you choose to learn your baby’s gender.
Despite the relief of early pregnancy symptoms, you may experience new symptoms, including:
- Back pain
- Swelling
- Heartburn
Obstetrical care specialists can help manage these symptoms by advising you on posture, exercise, and diet.
Third Trimester: Preparing for Delivery
At this stage, your pregnancy is nearing its end. The focus now shifts towards preparing for labor and delivery. Visits become more frequent, usually every two weeks until 36 weeks. After that, visits occur weekly until delivery.
The visits are essential for closely monitoring both your health and the baby’s development. During each visit, your healthcare provider will:
- Check fetal position and movement to ensure optimal positioning
- Monitor vital signs, such as blood pressure
- Measure your baby’s growth
- Track any signs of distress
As you approach your due date, labor and delivery preparation take center stage. Discussions around your birthing plan and delivery method become essential. You’ll have the chance to talk about pain management options like epidurals, medications, or natural techniques.
Postpartum Care: Recovery & Follow-Up
After delivery, your body will undergo changes as it heals. You may experience discomfort, such as vaginal bleeding or uterine contractions. Emotionally, fluctuating hormones may lead to mood swings.
Postpartum checkups are essential to monitor for signs of complications. During these visits, your healthcare provider will:
- Check for signs of infection
- Monitor for abnormal bleeding
- Address breastfeeding challenges
- Assess your mental health and emotional well-being, as postpartum depression is common.
Starting your pregnancy journey with proper women’s health care is vital. The right obstetrical care ensures optimal support through this critical phase.
Discover Obstetrical Care and What It Means for Your Pregnancy
Obstetrical care is essential for ensuring a healthy and smooth pregnancy journey. It provides you with expert guidance, regular monitoring and support to address any concerns that may arise. Get the best obstetrical care and confidently navigate your pregnancy with the right expertise every step of the way.
At Women’s Health of Augusta, our team of board-certified experts, led by Dr. Laura Lee Joiner, offers over 40 years of experience providing compassionate, personalized obstetrics and gynecology care. Using advanced technology, we ensure the highest quality service for women of all ages.
Get in touch today to schedule your appointment.