Pregnancy

It is essential to have good prenatal care during a pregnancy.  An obstetrician (OB-GYN) specializes in providing medical care to pregnant women during their gestation period, childbirth, and recovery follow up time.  Obstetricians monitor the health of mother and baby.  They provide consultations on the health and condition of the expected mother and fetus.  Obstetricians perform ultrasound scans to determine the sex of the unborn child as well as look for abnormalities and complications.  An ultrasound scan is a radiology procedure that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the developing child.  Obstetricians are specifically trained to deal with any potential stressful or critical health situations that may threaten the life of the child or mother. 

It is important that an OB-GYN provide compassion and support in a professional manner to a woman during this highly sensitive time.  Obstetricians are able to deal with high risk situations in a competent manner.  Their training and expertise can make all difference to insure a safe and healthy natal delivery for both mother and child.  When choosing an obstetrician you will want to consider several factors including the doctor’s qualifications and reputation.  You want to be sure that your doctor is considerate and compassionate to your concerns and that you as well as other family members are comfortable with him/her.  You also want to make sure your doctor is able to answer your questions to your satisfaction and appropriately direct you in matters concerning your health, the health of your unborn child, and childbirth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2004 census revealed that at that time there were an estimated 80.5 million mothers of all ages in the U.S.  10.4 million Single mothers live with children under 18 years of age.  The average age of women who gave birth for the first time was 25.2 years old.  In 2004, 55 percent of women in the workforce had infants at home.  In 2006, 5.6 million women were stay-at-home moms.

• M - Make sure to bundle up when it is cold.
• O - Oppose smoking, drinking alcohol, and other drug use.
• T - Take a walk to get some exercise.
• H - Hold hands and look both ways before crossing the street.
• E - Eat your vegetables.
• R - Remember to buckle up.
• S - Stay safe.

Your time of pregnancy should be a time of joy, excitement, and anticipation.  Trusting your care and the care of your infant to a competent and caring doctor is important.  The more comfortable you are with your physician will translate into assurance and trust in the delivery room.  This will help make your delivery easier and create less anxiety for both you and your child. 

Read about other medical concerns such as: Depression, Gynecology, or Diabetes