Obstetrics

What is obstetrics?

Obstetrics is a medical specialty concerned with pregnancy and childbirth. Most obstetricians are OB/GYNs, as they’re also gynecologists. Gynecology focuses on all the other aspects of women’s reproductive health.

There are several choices available to you when it comes to how you want to manage your pregnancy and labor. Some women opt to use their family doctor for their prenatal care, for example. However, obstetricians have specialist expertise in all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, making them ideally suited to monitor your health and deal with any problems should they arise.

To become an OB/GYN, obstetricians like Dr. Patel have to complete a four-year residency after graduating from medical school. The residency involves practicing obstetrics and gynecology in a teaching hospital, covering subjects including:

• Prepregnancy health
  
• Pregnancy
  
• Labor and childbirth
  
• Health problems after childbirth
  
• Genetics
  
• Genetic counseling
  

After completing their residency, OB/GYNs might choose to specialize in either obstetrics or gynecology, or provide continuity of service for their patients by doing both, as Dr. Patel does.

What happens at my first appointment with the obstetrician?

The first step is to confirm your pregnancy and see how far along you are. Dr. Patel can then create a pregnancy plan with you that coordinates all your care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Dr. Patel has state-of-the-art ultrasound facilities on site at Inland Women Care to run routine scans, during which you’ll be able to see your baby growing inside you. On the first visit, Dr. Patel performs a transvaginal ultrasound, so you know your baby is well.

Dr. Patel also helps you stay healthy with advice on diet and exercise, and supports you in making better choices regarding lifestyle habits. If you suffer from common pregnancy conditions like morning sickness, heartburn, and swollen, aching legs, Dr. Patel can help you reduce the effects and prescribe appropriate treatments when required.

What else does an obstetrician do?

Dr. Patel is there to support you every step of the way from conception through birth and on to postnatal care. She monitors your and your baby’s health throughout the pregnancy, and checks for problems such as:

• High blood pressure
  
• Gestational diabetes
  
• Infections
  
• Genetic disorders
  

If your pregnancy is high risk, Dr. Patel provides the expert medical care you need to keep you and your baby safe.

Dr. Patel offers complete obstetrical care at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona and San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, and all of your prenatal care, as well as the birth itself, is under Dr. Patel’s expert supervision.

Dr. Patel and her team also provide health and nutritional education during pregnancy and breastfeeding to give you and your baby the best start together.

Having a baby is one of the most exciting events of your life, but it can be a little overwhelming. Dr. Patel and her team understand that each pregnancy is unique, and each woman has different needs and expectations. To find out more about obstetric services at Inland Women Care, call the practice today or book an appointment online.