What Is Obstetrics?
Obstetrics is the branch of medicine specifically related to pregnant women's medical and surgical care, which may include:
- Prenatal care
- Labor and birth care
- Annual gynecologic exams, including Pap smear and breast exam
- Contraceptive counseling
- Sexually transmitted disease treatment
- Abnormal Pap test treatment, including colposcopy, cryosurgery and cone biopsy
- Acute and chronic medical conditions, such as endometriosis
- Infertility diagnosis and treatment
- Menopause management
What Is an Obstetrician?
An obstetrician is a medical doctor specializing in a woman’s overall health during maternity, including pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. Much of an obstetrician’s education focuses on detecting and managing obstetrical and gynecological problems and surgical care. Most OBGYNs choose to practice both obstetrics and gynecology specialties.
In obstetrics, midwives handle most low-risk care and uncomplicated deliveries, while obstetricians deal with more complicated pregnancies and births and perform cesarean sections. Some of the advantages women with high-risk pregnancies can benefit from seeing an obstetrician include:
- Specialized training to manage pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or placenta previa
- Access to medical technology, such as ultrasound and genetic testing
- Specialized surgical training if a cesarean birth becomes necessary
What Does an Obstetrician Do?
Aside from specializing in women’s medical and surgical care during maternity, many obstetricians practice in a private office, with or without a group of other physicians. In contrast, others choose to practice in a hospital or clinic setting. Experienced OBGYNs may also decide to maintain teaching positions at university hospitals.
What Happens at an Obstetrics Appointment?
What happens during an obstetrics visit depends on how far a woman is in her pregnancy. If you think you are pregnant or have confirmed your pregnancy with an at-home pregnancy test, schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as possible. Early and regular prenatal visits are essential to a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Some of the things you can expect from your obstetrician or OBGYN on your first prenatal visit include the following:
- Urine sample for infection and confirm your pregnancy
- Tests for measuring blood pressure, weight and height
- Calculate your due date based on your last menstrual cycle and an ultrasound exam
- Ask about your family health and genetic history
- Perform prenatal blood tests, including blood type and Rh (Rhesus) factor, blood count and test for hepatitis B, HIV, rubella and syphilis
- A complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam and cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia
- A Pap test or test for human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Order an ultrasound test, depending on the week of pregnancy
- Genetic screening
Your first prenatal visit may be the longest during your pregnancy. Prepare ahead and allow plenty of time to make the most of your visit.
Schedule an Obstetrics Appointment
If you are expecting, experiencing pain or discomfort related to a gynecologic condition, have been recently diagnosed, or know someone who has, Baptist Medical Network is your destination for women's health services in San Antonio. We aim to help you achieve better health for life and all seasons. To learn more about our comprehensive portfolio of gynecologic and obstetric services and vast network of healthcare providers or schedule an appointment, call 888-417-4961 or find an OBGYN nearby here.
Insurances Accepted
We accept various medical insurance plans at our multiple locations in San Antonio, so you can get the care you need for your condition. For questions about your coverage, please get in touch with your insurance provider directly or visit our patient resources page for your billing and insurance questions. If you have specific questions regarding insurance coverage at any Baptist Medical Network location, call us at 210-606-9071.
