Most women are familiar with a gynecologist’s role in female health care. But how much do you know about obstetricians? Here’s what you need to know about obstetricians if you’re pregnant or trying to be in the future.
What’s an Obstetrician?
Obstetrics is the field of study concerning pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Therefore, an obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in caring for a pregnant woman and her baby, both before birth and after. These specialists are trained to handle a variety of potential complications or situations that may occur during pregnancy and the birthing process, such as:
- Issues with the placenta
- Ectopic pregnancy: a pregnancy in which the fetus grows outside of the uterus
- Fetal distress: signs before and during childbirth that may signal the fetus may not be doing well
- High blood pressure: often a precursor to preeclampsia, a potentially serious condition
- Cesarean section
An obstetrician can also guide a mother safely through the entire experience from conception to delivery to the postpartum period. Other services offered by obstetricians include:
- Fertility treatment
- Fetal diagnostic procedures
- NICU care (a pediatrician may also handle this)
A top obstetrician will play a central role before, during, and after your pregnancy. Obstetricians work together with nurses, nurse-midwives, physician assistants, and other health professionals to provide your care. You may see these team members during your routine prenatal visits.
A top obstetrician may recommend that you and the dad-to-be attend pregnancy education or childbirth classes led by nurses or childbirth educators. When your baby finally comes, nurses or labor coaches will help you through the hard work of labor, but your obstetrician will monitor your progress and deliver your baby.
If your obstetrician is in a group practice where the doctors share “on call” duties, another doctor in the group may deliver your baby, so it’s important to ask about this when choosing your obstetrician.
How Does Gynecology Differ?
Gynecologists focus on the non-pregnancy aspects of a woman’s reproductive health, which are vast in number. Women often begin seeing a gynecologist when they become sexually active or at the onset of puberty, if needed.
Many women also choose to visit their gynecologist if they are interested in birth control, if they have menstruation issues, or if they are struggling with the symptoms of menopause. Even if you do not find yourself relating to any of these concerns, having a gynecologist is key to preventing reproductive cancers, as gynecologists can administer the proper cancer screenings to you on an annual basis.
Regular gynecological exams are important for a woman’s health. Gynecologists perform standard examinations, such as Pap smears and pelvic exams. They may also be seen for diagnosis and/or treatment of a variety of conditions, including:
- Cancer of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, or fallopian tubes
- Prolapse: a condition in which the pelvic organs slip forward or downward within the body, often after menopause in women
- Yeast or bacterial infections
- Painful intercourse
- Irregular menstruation or pain during menstruation.
- Other menopause-related diseases
- Endometriosis: a painful condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
- Cervical and vaginal polyps
- Fibroids: compact tumors that develop in the uterus
- Ovarian cysts
Top Obstetrician in Miami | OB/GYN Florida
Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women strives to make each patient feel welcomed and secure. Backed by our medical professionals team, Dr. Susan Fox is an OB/GYN ready to provide the best gynecological care for women with various unique needs in the Miami area.
Dr. Fox’s years of experience in the field have allowed her to construct a devoted group of professionals who will go the extra mile to ensure their patients are completely satisfied after each appointment.
Our team never hesitates to answer any questions a patient may have as thoroughly as possible and work with each patient to find solutions to any issues they may be experiencing.
Dr. Fox holds memberships with renowned organizations such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.
Her dedication to preventative healthcare practices and being a top obstetrician shines through, as Dr. Fox was among the first Obstetrician/Gynecologists to be trained in using the Implanon birth control method.
Whether you are searching for a top obstetrician, gynecology specialist for routine gynecological care, or a knowledgeable practitioner to perform pelvic reconstructive surgery, Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women is your most secure option.
Your wellness is of the utmost importance to us, and we will do everything within our power to keep our patients happy and healthy.
Contact Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women today to be treated by one of Miami’s top obstetrician/gynecologists during your first exam!