Obstetricians care for women during pregnancy and after childbirth, while gynecologists provide preventive care and treatment for female reproductive system issues. Women with menstrual irregularities should see a gynecologist, while those trying to prevent pregnancy should choose a gynecologist. Obstetricians confirm pregnancy, offer prenatal care, and monitor fetal health during pregnancy. OB/GYNs are specialists in both fields and can provide continuity of care.
Obstetricians and gynecologists typically deal with aspects of the female reproductive system, but there are some key differences between the two types of specialists. In most cases, obstetricians take care of women during pregnancy, as well as immediately after delivery of the baby in the postpartum period. On the other hand, gynecologists usually provide preventive care and treatment when it comes to problems with the female reproductive system. This often includes birth control, Pap smears, and managing menstrual irregularities. Some doctors are considered both obstetricians and gynecologists, or OB/GYNs, while others specialize in only one of the fields.
When a woman faces menstrual irregularities, she is usually referred to a gynecologist. For example, you may need to diagnose and treat unusually painful periods, which the typical ob-gyn may do. A completely missed period can also be investigated by this type of doctor, and often requires a pregnancy test to rule out the possibility of this finding. While a gynecologist usually administers the test, the woman is typically referred to an obstetrician if it is positive. Of course, because some doctors act as both obstetricians and gynecologists, many women are able to maintain the same doctor before and during pregnancy.
A woman who is trying to prevent pregnancy and has difficulty choosing between obstetricians and gynecologists should typically select the latter. This is because an ob-gyn is often an expert at helping women decide which type of birth control is best for them. In addition, this type of doctor also usually offers tests for STDs and can provide information on how to prevent them. Also, most women need to go to a gynecologist for annual exam to screen for cervical cancer, breast cancer and other reproductive health issues. If there is a need for a hysterectomy, this is also the specialist to go to.
On the other hand, women who are trying to become pregnant, or who already are, should see an obstetrician. This is the doctor who can officially confirm the pregnancy if this has not already been done through a gynecologist. Additionally, pregnant women can expect to see this type of doctor at least once a month for most of their pregnancy, as ultrasounds, fetal heart monitoring, and screenings for diseases and chromosomal abnormalities are typically offered by most obstetricians . It is usually the doctor who will be there during the labor and delivery and should also offer a postpartum checkup afterward to make sure the new mother is healing properly. Women planning a pregnancy and don’t want to switch doctors may want to consider seeking specialists who are listed as obstetricians/gynecologists, which means they are both obstetricians and gynecologists.
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