Share:

Women have an array of options when selecting doctors. For pregnant women, obstetricians and midwives have crucial responsibilities that will allow their patients to carry healthy pregnancies. After the baby is born, gynecologists ensure that reproductive health is at its best. If you’re unsure about the responsibilities these health care professionals have and how their positions differ, the guide below includes a comprehensive description of each.

How Do They Differ?

Obstetricians

Obstetricians are medical doctors who specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and a woman’s reproductive system. They will monitor your health throughout your pregnancy and deliver your baby. These healthcare professionals have completed medical school and a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology, and are trained to handle high-risk pregnancies. They can also perform surgeries, including C-sections, and will administer an epidural upon request. 

Gynecologists 

obstetriciansGynecologists are medical doctors who specialize in the health of the female reproductive system. They handle a wide range of issues, including menstruation issues, hormone disorders, sexual dysfunction, family planning, and sexually transmitted diseases. A patient may visit their gynecologist if they have a yeast infection, if they want to change their birth control, or if they suspect they have a sexually transmitted disease. 

Midwives

Midwives are trained healthcare professionals who assist women both emotionally and physically during their pregnancy and delivery. These professionals usually take a holistic approach to their care. They provide preconception care, educate you about diet and exercise, order prenatal tests, and deliver your baby. However, they typically don’t handle high-risk pregnancies and can’t perform surgeries.

They can deliver babies in a hospital or at your home and specialize in vaginal births. They spend more time with patients during the labor and delivery process, and provide adequate counseling for nutrition, exercise, and the emotional changes that come with being a parent. If you want to have a vaginal birth with as little medical intervention as possible, you may want to choose a midwife.

 

 

If you have additional questions about your pregnancy, turn to the medical professionals at Oswego County OB-GYN PC in Fulton, NY. These obstetricians, gynecologists, and midwives have been providing quality women’s health services for over 60 years. They offer services from breast exams to wellness checks and treat all their patients with compassion and respect. For more information about their services, call (315) 343-2590 or visit their website.

tracking