From obstetric care to obgyns: making sense of the terminology so you get the care you need.
If you’re pregnant, considering pregnancy, or looking for a doctor for regular wellness exams, you need to know the differences between obstetric care, gynecology and obgyns. Each of these fields represents a different medical specialty in women’s health. Here we will break it down so you can make sense of each and know what kind of care you should seek.
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, we are here to support you from conception to birth, from adolescence to menopause, and beyond. Our respected and friendly doctors are proud to be a top choice for your health care in Coral Springs and the surrounding areas.
Schedule your appointment today at 954-340-1050 or book online
Making sense of the terminology
You’ve heard medical terminology like “gynecology,” “obstetric care,” and “obgyn”, but what do they mean and what does each involve? Figuring this out can help you know what sort of care provider best suits your needs, and what to expect from your visits.
Obstetric care relates to all things pregnancy. From preconception, pregnancy, and childbirth to the first weeks postpartum, an obstetrician or midwife is the care provider you require.
The medical field of obstetrics deals with the well-being of the pregnant mother throughout the pregnancy as well as the development and the birth of the baby. They treat pregnancy-related medical conditions, help guide you through your pregnancy and what to expect, and order routine tests and screenings. If the pregnancy develops complications, part of your obstetric care may be the referral to trusted perinatologists when medically indicated.
When it is time to give birth, your doctor will assist you in the birth of your baby. Some obstetricians can perform c-sections or other procedures associated with labor and birth, when needed or desired.
Once the baby is born, obstetricians work with the pediatrician or neonatologist to hand off care of the newborn baby.
Gynecology focuses on reproductive health. From the time of your first menstrual period through post-menopause, you see your gynecologist for preventative routine care and wellness visits.
A gynecologist diagnoses and treats any conditions related to the reproductive organs, including the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina. They perform routine screenings from breast and pelvic exams to pap smears. Gynecologists can help patients have safe sexual activity, provide contraceptives, and offer information about protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Seeing a gynecologist for a routine exam is one of the best ways to build a positive, trusting, lifelong relationship with your care provider.
Obgyn refers to the care provider who practices gynecology and offers obstetric care. In other words, while some doctors practice only one of these fields, obgyns provide both reproductive healthcare and pregnancy care. “Obgyn” is a term that encompasses both fields: “Ob” for obstetrics and “gyn” for gynecology.
Services of obstetric care & gynecology
When you are seeking care to meet your needs, it’s good to know what to expect. Take the practice of Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology as an example, and take a look at some of the services we offer.
Our obstetric care services include:
- Pregnancy confirmation
- Regular appointments through the pregnancy
- Patient education
- Ultrasounds for diagnostic images or sex determination
- Referrals to Perinatologists as medically indicated
- Attendance of your birth
Our gynecological care services include:
- Regular wellness exams
- Diagnosis and treatment of gynecological problems
- Ultrasounds for diagnosis
- Testing and treatment of STDs
- IUD insertion and removal
- Birth control education
- Treatments for urinary incontinence
Compassionate care
Obstetric care and gynecology can have a lot of overlap. At Dr. Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, our practitioners work in both fields. This allows us to accompany patients from conception to birth, from adolescence to menopause, and beyond.
Contact us to schedule your initial appointment with one of our experienced doctors and set yourself up for the most compassionate and talented obstetrics and gynecology care available.
book online or give us a call at (954) 340-1050
Photo by Radomir Jordanovic