Congratulations on your pregnancy! You have most likely been recently confirmed pregnant if you are reading this. With that newfound knowledge, pregnancy can come with a lot of uncertainty. This article will hopefully help answer why having an OB/GYN is important in answering your questions.
The Woman’s Clinic has compiled a few common pregnancy-related inquiries about meeting and choosing your birthing staff, including an OB/GYN. We hope this helps answer some of those questions about your OB/GYN’s role throughout your pregnancy.
For starters, tests will be done to determine any risks associated with pregnancy for both mother and child. These tests will be done by an OB/GYN (or whoever else might be delivering your baby).
The OB/GYN’s at The Woman’s Clinic have gone through years of education and training so they can best care for you during pregnancy and prepare you for childbirth.
Question 1: Do I need an OB/GYN?
To ensure both mother and child are safe throughout pregnancy, you should set up an appointment to see an OB/GYN as soon as possible after confirmation of pregnancy.
Your OBGYN will help address any concerns or worries about pregnancy and your after-birth child care (for example, any questions about breastfeeding).
Question 2: What do I need to do before seeing an OBGYN?
Many OB/GYNs will ask you to complete a pregnancy checklist or questionnaire before your appointment to know how far along the pregnancy is and any health risks. Achieving such a form can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially for first-time parents!
The Woman’s Clinic reveals what to expect in your first pregnancy visit, linked here, along with a step-by-step guide within our Pregnancy 101.
These articles should cover most of what your OB/GYN will address in your exam and include things like:
- Pregnancy due date (for planning purposes).
- Pregnancy symptoms you may be experiencing.
- Pregnancy concerns (for example, birthing complications).
Question 3: What are the stages of pregnancy?
Typically speaking, pregnancy can be divided into three stages. The first stage begins at implantation and ends just before your first OB/GYN appointment. The second stage spans your first OB/GYN appointment until delivery day. The final stage begins upon delivery of the baby and lasts anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on parental needs.
Question 4: What should I expect in each trimester?
The first trimester is characterized by nausea, fatigue, headaches, heightened emotions (goodbye PMS but hello mood swings!), food aversions or cravings, etc. During this time, pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy side effects can be managed by taking prenatal vitamins and other medications prescribed by your OB/GYN.
The second trimester is characterized by renewed energy, smoother skin but stretch marks (alas!), back pain or discomfort, excess saliva production, etc. During this time, pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy side effects should be manageable with exercises such as yoga and pregnancy massage.
Finally, the third trimester begins at around 28 weeks for most women and is characterized by uncomfortable sleeping habits due to a large belly, swollen feet and ankles, lower back pain, or discomfort from carrying the baby around all day long!
Luckily during this stage of pregnancy, you will have a helpful postpartum nurse to take care of anything pregnancy-related that may come up after delivery.
Question 5: Will my OB/GYN be there when I have my baby?
Typically speaking, OB/GYN appointments will continue throughout pregnancy for routine doctor’s visits to monitor pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy side-effects.
In addition, you will probably have numerous prenatal check-ups scheduled so your OB/GYN can assess the health of the mother and baby. Most importantly, an OB/GYN should be present during delivery to help ensure a safe delivery for both mother and baby.
Question 6: Do I see my OB/GYN after my baby is born?
Yes! After delivery, your OB/GYN or midwife will provide medical care for your newborn child as well as perform the postpartum exam.
In addition to this routine care, you will have additional OB/GYN appointments scheduled throughout the first year of your child’s life to check for pregnancy side effects or pregnancy complications.
For example, most mothers are advised to schedule an appointment at around six weeks postpartum if they are breastfeeding to be sure their milk supply is sufficient.
The Woman’s Clinic Is Here With Your Pregnancy
Women who may suspect they are pregnant or have a confirmed pregnancy, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the professionals at The Woman’s Clinic who can help guide you through this both wonderful and sometimes complicated time.
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