An obstetrician is a medical doctor specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They play a massive role in ensuring that both the mother and child are healthy during this time. If you think you may be pregnant or have just found out that you are pregnant, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician. This is especially important if you have any concerns about your pregnancy. However, this does not mean that you should ignore obstetric visits if you have a healthy pregnancy. According to Leela K Patel, M.D., an experienced obstetrician, regular visits are essential regardless of the circumstances. Here are some signs that you need to see.
You Recently Found Out You Are Pregnant
If you have just found out that you are pregnant, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician. This is especially important if you have any concerns about your pregnancy. An obstetrician can help you track your pregnancy and answer any questions you may have.
You Have a High-Risk Pregnancy
If you are considered high risk, you will need to see an obstetrician more often. A high-risk pregnancy is one in which some complications could endanger the mother or child. Some examples of high-risk pregnancies include those that are:
- Twin or multiple gestations
- History of preterm labor
- Gestational diabetes
- Congenital heart disease
- Early-onset of labor
If you have any of these conditions, it is essential to see an obstetrician to help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
You Are Experiencing Symptoms
If you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you, it is important to see an obstetrician. Some pregnancy symptoms can be usual, but some can be a sign of a problem. If you experience any of the following, make an appointment to see your obstetrician:
- Bleeding
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Blurred vision
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent more serious problems from developing.
You Are at the End of Your Pregnancy
As your due date approaches, you will need to see your obstetrician more often. Typically, you will see them every week during the last month of pregnancy. This ensures that both you and the baby are healthy and help prevent any complications during labor and delivery.
Your Pregnancy Is Going Well
Even if you are having a healthy pregnancy, it is important to see an obstetrician regularly. This is to ensure that everything is going well and get any necessary vaccinations. You should see your obstetrician once in the first trimester, twice in the second trimester, and four times in the third trimester.
You Have Had Multiple Miscarriages
If you have had multiple miscarriages, it is important to see an obstetrician. They can help you find out if there is a problem causing the miscarriages, and they can help you manage your pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarrying again.
In summary, you should see an obstetrician if you are pregnant, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy. You should also see one if you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you or at the end of your pregnancy. Having regular obstetrician visits is Avital for a healthy pregnancy, no matter your circumstances.
