Why do I need to see a doctor during pregnancy?
It’s important to see a doctor regularly throughout your pregnancy to identify any risk factors and address any ongoing problems. Your doctor provides prenatal care to keep you and your baby healthy and to avoid problems like preterm labor and complicated delivery. Prenatal care includes:
- Ultrasound
- Prenatal testing
- Prenatal supplements
- Screening for conditions like anemia and gestational diabetes
- Physical exams
- Checking the vital signs of the fetus
Your doctor can also manage health conditions like high blood pressure with medications.
What is a complicated delivery?
Labor and delivery are pivotal points in your pregnancy. However, no pregnancy is perfect and complications can happen, including:
- Preterm labor and delivery
- Prolonged labor
- Abnormal positioning of the baby in the birth canal
These complications could lead to non-traditional delivery. Although vaginal delivery is the most common type, there are many options for giving birth to your child, including:
- Forceps delivery
- Vacuum extraction
- Cesarean section
Your doctor lets you know which delivery is the best one for you based on your medical history and medical conditions. The following factors also increase your likelihood for a non-traditional delivery:
- Previous cesarean birth
- Multiple pregnancies (delivering more than one baby)
- Umbilical cord compression
- Failure of labor progression
Remember, any type of delivery that is the safest and healthiest option for you and your baby is the right choice for you.
What happens if the baby is born prematurely?
About 1 in 10 babies are born early and not carried to the full three trimesters of pregnancy. Any baby who is born before 37 weeks is considered premature. Although most “preemie” babies are healthy, they may be more at risk for certain medical conditions, including:
- Breathing problems
- Delays in normal development
- Hearing or vision impairment
- Difficulty feeding
It’s important to make sure you and your baby receive proper postnatal care. Your obstetric specialist makes sure any medical issues are properly treated and that you and your family receive the training necessary to take care of your preemie.
If you’re a mom-to-be, Dr. Chadi Haddad is the place for you. Call today to schedule your obstetric consultation or make an appointment online.
