Obstetrics Specialist

Why do I need an obstetrician?

An obstetrician provides full pregnancy care, from conception to delivery. Meeting regularly with your obstetrician ensures that your pregnancy progresses normally, identifies any potential complications, and facilitates early treatment if you or your baby needs it. 

What services do obstetricians provide?

Your obstetrician provides a number of services to keep you and your baby healthy, including prenatal counseling. If you want to become pregnant or already are pregnant, your doctor advises you to:

• Optimize nutrition with a whole-foods diet
• Take 400 mcg folic acid to prevent neural tube defects
• Exercise according to trimester recommendations

Your obstetrician also conducts thorough physical examinations and tests to evaluate your health and your baby’s development. You can expect tests for:

• Blood typing
• Anemia
• Diabetes
• Thyroid health
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

At Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd., the on-site ultrasound lab allows your technician and doctor to monitor your baby at each stage of development. Depending on your family and personal history and the results of testing, your obstetrician might also recommend further tests, including:

• Amniocentesis
• Genetic testing
• Chromosomal testing

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, the Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd. may refer you to one of their perinatology specialists.

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

Your pregnancy may be labeled high-risk if you or your baby has conditions that require extra care or attention. Factors that go into qualifying a pregnancy as high-risk include:

• Maternal age (under 17 years or over 35)
• High blood pressure or other health conditions
• Multiple gestations (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Abnormal Pap smear or STD tests
• Placenta previa
• Gestational diabetes
• Pre-eclampsia
• Presence of fibroids

Your pregnancy is also labeled high-risk if you’ve had multiple miscarriages or a history of pre-term labor or preeclampsia. If your baby has Down syndrome or another genetic or chromosomal disorder, your pregnancy is considered high-risk, too. When you have a high-risk pregnancy, your obstetrician and perinatologist recommend more frequent check-ups and testing. 

To book an obstetrics consultation, call the friendly and helpful office staff at either Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd. location. You can also request an appointment online.