What is the Role of an Obstetrician in High-Risk Pregnancy?
Obstetricians are medical professionals who specialize in high-risk pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. They take care of the woman’s health throughout the pregnancy and ensure the normal process of childbirth.
Generally, the obstetrician works with nurses, physician assistants, obstetrician-gynaecologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide care. Such professionals are concerned with the health of the female reproductive system in general. Also, they monitor the health and development of the fetus while it’s still in the womb. The availability of several high-risk pregnancy obstetricians in Melbourne and other cities makes the selection process easy and simple. All you need to focus on is — reviews, qualifications, experience, and other factors while choosing one.
However, why are the job responsibilities of obstetricians for resolving the high-risk pregnancy problems?
Let’s discuss this in detail!
What Are the Responsibilities of Obstetricians?
The role of an obstetrician is to:
- Monitor the health of the woman and the developing fetus.
- Provide referral for ultrasound scans, measurements and tests.
- Check for various health conditions.
- Administrate towards various reasons that affect the fetus’ health, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, infections, and genetic disorders.
- Advises the correct diet during pregnancy, exercise, and medications.
- Help to cope with morning sickness, pain in the back and legs, and heartburn.
- Answers questions about pregnancy and childbirth and other common complaints during pregnancy.
- Explains what will happen during childbirth
- Leads to normal childbirth and monitors the health of the woman.
The obstetrician conducts only normal physiological childbirth, during which there is no need to resort to surgical skills. Even he/she sends patients for treatment to an obstetrician-gynaecologist in the presence of various diseases, including ectopic pregnancy, fetal distress, preeclampsia.
The Relevance of the Obstetrician Profession
Modern obstetricians provide assistance and support to women during simple pregnancies and childbirth. Midwives focus on working with the woman to reduce the risk of complications during childbirth. The constant presence of such professionals can reduce:
- The duration of labour;
- The need for pain relief;
- The likelihood of using forceps or other surgical devices during labour;
- The possibility of a cesarean section.
Therefore, the obstetrician must have some important qualities. In delicate situations such as childbirth, it’s imperative they communicate effectively with their patients and other healthcare professionals. This includes active listening, active learning, and excellent oral and written understanding of one’s job responsibilities. There are a number of possible complications that can arise, and obstetricians must use rigorous logic and reasoning to determine the correct treatment and course of action. Their task is also to provide advice and care to patients.
How Obstetricians Diagnose a Patient During Pregnancy?
Provide Proper Examination
During pregnancy, an obstetrician teaches women about what happens to their body and their baby. They discuss hormonal changes, examine the pregnant woman as needed, and monitor the growth of the fetus through abdominal measurements. Also, they teach their patients how to relieve pain, so they’re prepared when labour begins.
Accommodate With Necessary Information
Even a professional will also explain the stages of childbirth. When the obstetricians suspect problems with the development of the fetus or the pregnant woman herself, they refer their patients to an obstetrician-gynaecologist for medical intervention.
Prepare Patients With Basics Knowledge
Obstetricians teach patients the basics of newborn care and breastfeeding. They also continue to offer emotional support during the postpartum period. Such professionals stay with their patients during labour and provide emotional support and advice on how to manage the labour properly and easily. They promote active labour management, such as walking and ball swinging.
Run Various Tests
The obstetrician runs various tests that include — ultrasound, amniocentesis, cord blood tests, congenital conditions or blood diseases, cervical length measurements, laboratory tests, which help determine the risk of preterm birth. Such tests also help assess the well-being of the baby through heart rate monitoring and ultrasound. Such examinations are directed by an obstetrician-gynaecologist strictly according to indications.
Wrapping Up!
The obstetricians can monitor the woman’s compliance with the instructions given by the gynaecologist if she can’t be constantly monitored by the doctor. Hence, hiring a professional obstetrician in Melbourne will protect you from several problems and assist in running your childbirth procedure smoothly and relaxed. Whether you’re going through a high-risk pregnancy or require any additional information, an obstetrician is a good-to-go option.
