While gynecology covers women’s reproductive health over a lifetime, Obstetrics specifically relates to the care and treatment of pregnant women. Obstetricians additionally specialize in gynecology and provide care to women throughout their lives. While a woman is pregnant, the obstetrician performs certain services including: 

• Answering any questions about pregnancy, fetal development, and labor and delivery 
• Monitoring the health of the mother and developing baby during routine visits 
• Helping patients with common pregnancy complaints including heartburn, leg and back pain, and morning sickness 

Most women are advised to see their doctor every month for the first seven months, then biweekly for the next eight weeks, and then weekly until the baby is born. Women at higher risk for health complications are seen more often. High-risk pregnancies occur when the health of the mother or baby is compromised and could result in injury or death to mother or child. Some of the conditions that cause high-risk pregnancies include: 

• High blood pressure or diabetes (either pre-existing or developing during pregnancy) 
• Smoking 
• Overweight or obese patients 
• Alcohol or drug use 
• Older age 
• A history of miscarriages 
• Being pregnant with multiple babies (twins and more) 
• Having certain diseases or complications 

The prenatal evaluation includes several health checks such as blood work, obtaining weight and blood pressure, and collecting urine samples. As the pregnancy progresses, Once the exam is complete, expectant mothers will receive advice on what to expect during the few weeks until their following appointment. Ob/Gyn Specialists encourage their patients to make use of these visits to foster a partnership with the doctors for the benefit of both their health and the health of the newborn child. Pregnancy is a journey that we are honored to guide our patients through and we are always willing to answer questions, explain the bodily changes experienced, and to provide information about the developing baby.

An ultrasound is a noninvasive and safe method to take an internal image of the body and is frequently used to view a developing fetus. The ultrasound utilizes sound waves transmitted through a small wand known as a transducer. The transducer translates the sound waves collected and creates an image on a computer screen. Ultrasound images are able to be seen in real-time and can help monitor the structure and movement of internal organs and blood activity.

An ultrasound helps the doctor to diagnose any issues with a fetus as well as monitor the development of the fetus. Ultrasounds provide detailed 3D and 4D images and can be utilized to discover the sex of their child. Additionally, Ultrasounds can also be used to: 

• Check the fetal heartbeat, gestational age, abnormalities or defects, and multiple pregnancies. 
• Examine placenta, uterus, ovaries, and cervix 
• Diagnose an ectopic pregnancy 
• Monitor the fetus growth and position 
• Monitor levels of amniotic fluids 
• Determine if the fetus is getting enough oxygen 
• Locate the source of pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding 
• Looking for signs of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease 
• Examine the size, shape, and condition of ovaries, uterus, or abnormal growths in vaginal cavity 
• Locate the cause of blood in the urine or other urinary problems 
• Determine the size of the bladder before and after urination 
• Detecting growths in the pelvis 
• Guiding a needle during a biopsy or while draining fluid from a cyst or abscess 
• Monitor for colorectal cancer 

After providing a gel that creates lubrication and magnifies the sound waves of the ultrasound, the provider will rub the transducer wand across the abdomen. The sound waves produced bounce off bones and tissue inside the body. These echoes are recorded by the transducer to generate images of the uterus for the doctor.

Ultrasounds are noninvasive and typically do not have any side effects. Patients should wear loose and comfortable clothing and may be asked to drink several glasses of water before the screening. The exam is carried out at the doctor’s office or clinical setting. This procedure takes place in about thirty minutes.

A cesarean section, or a C-section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby when a vaginal birth is not available. The procedure cuts through the abdomen into the uterus of the mother to remove the baby. It is often used in emergency circumstances or when the mother has already had a C-Section and is no longer able to give birth naturally.

There are many reasons that a cesarean section might be the best option for delivery including: 

• Stalled labor: If there are complications with the cervix not opening or being too small for the child, a C-Section provides the ability to reduce trauma on the mother and child. 

• Abnormal position: If the baby is not positioned face first during the birth process and the doctor is unable to make a manual adjustment, a C-Section can be introduced to prevent the baby from breathing before they have completed the birth canal.

• Multiple babies: Multiple babies are often difficult for the mother to push through the cervix. A C-Section makes this process easier. 

• Problems with the umbilical cord or placenta: If a baby is at risk for health complications, a C-Section is much faster than biological birth.  

• Previous C-sections: Once a woman has given birth once, she is likely lacking in the strength to push the baby out naturally. Often these women will need to have additional C-Sections to ensure the health of mother and child. 

A C-section is typically scheduled in advance, although it can be used in the case of an emergency during delivery. The mother is anesthetized and the baby is surgically removed from her uterus. Some of the benefits to this method are the controlled environment of the surgery, a quicker delivery for the mother and child, and a less traumatic experience for mother and child.