Obstetrics

An obstetrician is a doctor with specialist qualifications in delivering babies and providing medical care to women during pregnancy (antenatal care) and after birth (postnatal care). Obstetricians have the skills to manage complex or high-risk pregnancies and births and can perform interventions and caesareans.

Preconception and prenatal care can help prevent complications and inform women about important steps they can take to protect their infant and ensure a healthy pregnancy. With regular prenatal care women can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.

Preconception care is the health care a woman gets before she becomes pregnant. Prenatal care is the health care a woman gets during pregnancy. Early and regular prenatal visits with a health care provider are important for the health of both the mother and the fetus.

Your first OB appointment, generally between 8 and 12 weeks, will include a complete medical history and a thorough physical, including a pelvic exam, breast exam, urine test, pap smear, and blood work. Based on the time of your last period, your OB will give an estimated due date.

The disorders included in newborn screening vary from state to state. These conditions include phenylketonuria (PKU), cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, critical congenital heart disease, hearing loss, and others. Some states test for additional disorders that are not part of the HRSA panel.