What type of doctors deliver babies

The experience of family practitioners delivering babies varies widely. Also ask about their experience in handling emergencies and performing cesarean deliveries, and whether an OB-GYN is available for backup. Some people prefer their family practitioner because of the continuity of care.

The experience of a doctor who knows your history and has previously treated you can be an advantage. Potential disadvantages include less training in obstetrics and the possible need to call in another practitioner to help with a complication or emergency. You may have to see a specialist if certain problems arise. OB-GYNs are doctors who have completed 4 years of training in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

These doctors are trained to provide a wide range of female reproductive healthcare services, including routine to complicated obstetrics. Their main focus is on pregnancy and female health concerns. OB-GYNs can provide specialized care that may not be available from non-obstetric specialists. These specialist doctors are equipped to deal with the entire range of pregnancies, from uncomplicated, low-risk deliveries to many kinds of high-risk deliveries. If your doctor determines your pregnancy is high risk, find a board certified OB-GYN to handle your pregnancy.

Maternal-fetal medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology. Maternal-fetal medicine doctors are sometimes called perinatologists.

In addition to completing traditional medical school, maternal-fetal medicine doctors have completed a 4-year standard training program in obstetrics and gynecology. They also have completed an extra 2 to 3 years of specialized training in dealing with problem or high-risk pregnancies. In the United States, they will be board certified in both specialties. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists offer specialized care for pregnant people and their fetuses.

Special cases can include:. They can start treatment even before your baby is born if they find a problem during your pregnancy. Because of the extensive training required, the number of maternal-fetal medicine specialists in the United States is limited. For the most part, they practice in either academic centers affiliated with medical schools or other large tertiary care facilities. They generally partner with multiple healthcare professionals to consult, co-manage, or directly care for you and your baby before, during, and after pregnancy.

They perform specialized procedures in addition to ultrasound and amniocentesis. They also generally provide consultation to community obstetricians and family practitioners for pregnancies with complex issues. If you are delivering at home or in a birthing centre and have complications, you may need to transfer to a hospital, where your midwife will continue to work with you or transfer your care to an obstetrician, depending on the circumstance and region.

Access to family physicians and obstetricians is covered by provincial and territorial healthcare. If you live in a rural area, you may not be able to access the services of an obstetrician without travelling and may be limited to a family physician.

In northern communities, many women with low-risk pregnancies deliver at birthing centres with midwives. However, in many other areas—including cities—the demand for midwives still exceeds the supply. If you wish to go the midwife route, start contacting midwives or midwifery practices as early in your pregnancy as possible. Keep an open mind, get recommendations from family and friends and meet a few experts in person if possible.

I need a midwife! First, what is a midwife? What is an obstetrician? Midwife or OB: What is the safest option? Do you have a typical, healthy pregnancy? Where do you want to deliver? How much one-on-one care is important to you? Is continuity of care important to you? What are your feelings on pain management and medical interventions? The causes can equally vary between men and women and the chances plateau at the six month mark.

Pregnant women with high sugar levels during pregnancy are more likely to have larger babies, require a C section, be discharged home before their baby, experience sub optimal healing process post-partum, and have a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Author Dr. Robert C. Siudmak, F.