Obstetrics is the branch of medical science that attends to the treatment of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-childbirth. This medical field is often combined with gynecology. Separately, gynecology deals with the science of female reproduction. When combined, obstetrics and gynecology deals with the care and general health of women. These ever changing and diverse fields are an important, perhaps the most important component of women’s health care, and most women designate their OB/GYN as their primary health care physician.
Obstetricians, although they fulfill other roles as well, are skilled at delivering infants. Today, obstetricians have contributed greatly to the decreasing numbers of the birth mortality and illness ratio in fetuses. In order to reach the level at which one is considered an obstetrician, one must have successfully completed one’s education and training in handling pregnancy, labor, and the post-childbirth period. The knowledge base of an obstetrician is vast and covers every detail relevant to the female anatomy, and to the experience of pregnancy. With this knowledge base, obstetricians are able to assess the diseases, medical conditions, and complications that could occur before, during, or after childbirth. As a result of technological advancements, obstetricians are better able to provide accurate prenatal diagnoses. This allows for better treatment and care for the birth mother and the baby.
Obstreticians and gynecologists (when one doctor practices in both fields, he or she is referred to as an OB/GYN), have the expertise to provide support, advice, surgical care, medical help, and preventative care for women in every case possible. Whether testing for sexually transmitted disease, doing a PAP test screening, helping relieve concerns about reproductive difficulties, or aiding with family planning, an OB/GYN is trained to handle any problem or difficulty that you, as a woman, may experience. It is imperative that you choose an OB/GYN who has fulfilled the requirements set by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In order to complete these requirements, an OB/GYN had to attain knowledge by completing many challenging required courses and graduating from an approved medical school. He or she must also have completed an OB/GYN residency program accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education. This includes achieving knowledge in obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, ultrasonography, and gynecologic oncology. OB/GYNs are also required to obtain comprehensive experience in primary and preventive care as well as attainment of the senior resident position in their final year. As you can see, the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology is a considerably important and substantial field filled by many of the most intelligent and clever men and women today.
It is important to select an obstetrician as soon as you begin planning your pregnancy, or at the latest, when you are expecting. The obstetrician is there to guide you through the stages of pregnancy and childbirth in order to ensure that you are provided with the reliability and quality of service that you can expect from a trained professional. They are there to share with you the joy and happiness you will experience when your baby is born, and to help ease your anxiety and discomfort along this amazing journey.
By Danielle Spanner