Obstetrics: Obstetrics is care of a pregnant woman. It is taking care of the mother and her unborn children during pregnancy and during childbirth. It includes pre-natal care of the fetus and post-natal care of the mother to know that she is recovering well. One sees an obstetrician if they have specific questions or concerns regarding pregnancy both pre and post childbirth. The doctor who specializes in obstetrics is known as an obstetrician.
An obstetrician deals with complications that happen during childbirth. The major complications that are bound to happen are:-
- ECV: External Cephalic Version is the procedure where the obstetrician uses their hands externally on mother’s belly to manually turn the baby from breech position (head up) into a cephalic position (head down). Before ECV, the only choices for breech delivery were Cesarean section or Trial of labor. In order to perform ECV on the patient, the patient should have no signs of Placenta Previa, bleeding or intrauterine growth restriction. Adequate amniotic fluid levels should be there and baby should have a good heart rate.
- Cervical Cerclage: When a woman’s cervix is weak (cervical incompetence) it gets risky during pregnancy. So treatment for cervical incompetence is a surgery called cervical Cerclage in which the mother’s cervix is sewn closed during pregnancy. A closed cervix helps complete a baby’s gestation period (almost up to 37 to 38 weeks). This procedure can be done either through the vagina or through the abdomen. If cervical incompetency is found during later stages of pregnancy or if the cervix is found open significantly, bed rest may be the best alternative.
- Caesarean Section: Caesarean section also known as C section is a surgery in which baby is born through an incision made in the abdomen. A C section birth under certain circumstances becomes necessary for the health of the mother and baby. Few of the reasons for a need of C section are – having had a C section in previous pregnancy or had other uterus surgeries, Problems with placenta which provides baby with food and oxygen through umbilical cord, Baby gets too big to pass through vagina safely, Baby is in breech position, there being fetal distress, etc.
Gynecology: Gynecology encompasses the treatment of any disorder or disease that is prevalent in the female reproductive system. It deals with disorders in the female reproductive system, menstrual disorders, benign and malignant tumor formation, family planning, etc. The doctor who specializes in gynecology is known as a gynecologist.
A gynecologist deals with the complications of a female reproductive system. Few complicated issues a gynecologist has to face are:-
- Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy is categorized into two. The partial hysterectomy is where only the uterus or womb is removed. Full hysterectomy is where uterus, cervix, fallopian tube and ovaries are all removed. Hysterectomy is done for varied reasons like gynecologic cancers of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, Endometriosis – in which uterine-like tissues grow in other locations instead of within the uterus, Adenomyosis, where the uterine tissue grows through the uterine wall rather than staying confined to the inner portion of the uterus, etc. A hysterectomy has risks such as heavy bleeding and infection so one must be careful.
- Laparoscopy: This is a keyhole surgery done on the abdomen rod-shaped thin tool with a tiny camera at its end called as a laparoscope is used in this surgery. This aids the surgeon to project the image inside shot from the camera to a TV monitor or other viewing device. More rapid recovery, small scars, and less pain are the benefits of this surgery.
- Cone biopsies: In this surgery, a cone-shaped abnormal tissue sample from the cervix is removed for examination. A cone biopsy is a surgical method to find and treat problems of the cervix. This can be done in the office (often called a LEEP) or in the hospital. Many tests are performed prior to cone biopsy to determine if precancerous or cancerous cells exist. Cone biopsy is successful 90% of the time for patients with cervical cancer.
The female reproductive system is a vast topic and is divided into obstetrics and gynecology. But most doctors usually practice both together.