Who is an OB-GYN?
An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) specializes in women's reproductive systems. They help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health, such as preventing or inducing pregnancy. Furthermore, they support pregnant women in making healthy decisions during and immediately after delivery. They also treat conditions and diseases that affect the reproductive organs.
Why visit an OB-GYN?
Depending on the age and general health, you can see an OB-GYN for routine exams or specific reproductive objectives. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that you should begin visiting them between the ages of 13 and 15.
You should consult an OB-GYN for follow-up care, tests, and counseling if you experience discomfort or other symptoms because of issues with the reproductive system or your menstrual cycle. Additionally, you can visit them if your menstruation is irregular, has lasted a long time, or the blood flow has changed.
You can consult an OB-GYN near you for an early evaluation if you are older than 40 or have a family history of breast cancer. If you are aged 21 or above, you should see them for a yearly pelvic exam. They help with diagnosing cervical cancer by conducting a pap test. They can also ensure that you receive a full recovery. If you have tumors in the ovary or uterus, they can perform surgeries to remove them.
You can visit an obstetrician-gynecologist near you for family planning and birth control advice. You should also see them if you notice blood in your urine, unpleasant cramps, a change in vaginal discharge, or pain during sex.
What procedures does an OB-GYN perform?
An OB-GYN manages women's health during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum (after giving birth). Their extensive training enables them to perform various procedures. The following are the different procedures performed by them:
- Dilation and curettage: This is a procedure in which an OB-GYN removes a portion of the uterine lining by scraping it with a sharp curette. It helps OB-GYNs detect polyps (tissue overgrowth in the uterine lining) and uterine cancer.
- Hysterectomy: It helps OB-GYN in the evaluation and treatment of uterine issues. By eliminating scar tissue, the procedure can help identify the reason for recurrent miscarriages.
- Tubal ligation: It is a surgical procedure to avoid pregnancy in the future. Tubal refers to fallopian tubes, and ligation means tie-off. Women get their tubes tied during the tubal ligation procedure.
- Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis enables OB-GYN to collect uterine fluid and cell samples during pregnancy. They can use it to check for genetic disorders in pregnancy.
- Myomectomy: An OB-GYN performs this procedure to get rid of uterine fibroids. These fibroids are non-cancerous uterine tumors. It may result in infertility, painful pelvic cramps, or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Common health issues during pregnancy
Some common issues that women experience during pregnancy include the following:
- Depression: It is a feeling of extreme sadness during pregnancy. If it happens after childbirth, it is called postpartum depression. Its symptoms include irritability and helplessness, intense sadness, thoughts of harming the developing baby or self, and appetite changes.
- Anemia: If a woman has a lower-than-average count of healthy red blood cells in her blood, the condition is called anemia. The symptoms include looking pale, feeling weak or tired, shortness of breath, and fainting.
- Miscarriage: It is a pregnancy loss from natural causes before the 20th week of gestation. Approximately 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. It often occurs before the woman even knows that she is pregnant. Some symptoms include abdominal pain or cramping, vaginal bleeding or spotting, and tissue or fluid passing from the vagina.
Note: Early spotting in pregnancy does not always indicate a miscarriage. Contact the gynecologist near you immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
- Ectopic pregnancy: An occurrence where the fertilized egg initiates its development in a location other than the uterus, typically within the fallopian tube, can be described as an ectopic pregnancy. Indications of this condition include experiencing abdominal discomfort, shoulder pain, faintness or lightheadedness, and vaginal bleeding.
- Preterm labor: It occurs when a woman enters labor before completing the 37th week of pregnancy. Indications of preterm labor encompass heightened vaginal discharge, contractions, cramps, pelvic discomfort, and backache that extends into the abdominal area.
- Fetal problems: It can be health issues with the unborn baby(fetus), including heart problems or poor growth. Common symptoms include baby size being smaller than expected for the gestational age and baby movements being less than expected. Some problems don't show any signs but get detected during prenatal tests.
- Hypertension (High blood pressure) during pregnancy: Higher blood pressure can develop after or during the 20th week of pregnancy and generally goes away after childbirth. OB-GYNs closely monitor the health of the woman and the developing baby to avoid any health complications.
- Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia, also called toxemia, causes high blood pressure, kidney problems, and issues in the other organs. It generally starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure, blurred vision, sweating in the face and hands, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, and too much protein in the urine.
- Hyperemesis gravidarum (H.G.): It is severe vomiting and persistent nausea during pregnancy that is more extreme than usually experienced during morning sickness. The symptoms include vomiting several times daily, constant feeling of nausea, dehydration, reduced appetite, weight loss, fainting, or feeling faint.
What are some tips for a healthy pregnancy?
It takes different aspects of your life to prepare your body for pregnancy and keep it that way throughout the process. Keeping track of your cycles is the easiest way to determine when you ovulate and conceive.
When trying to conceive, improve your eating habits. Consuming a healthy variety of meals will help. Avoid raw milk cheese since it may contain harmful microorganisms. Additionally, quit drinking and smoking.
Also, start exercising to maintain your level of fitness during pregnancy. Exercise can reduce the chance of labor complications and miscarriage. Consider educating yourself by reading pregnancy-related books and conducting online research.
During pregnancy, you should take prenatal vitamins. These are beneficial as they provide vitamins and minerals. You should avoid chemicals that may be harmful to a developing fetus. It will be best to avoid exposure to dangerous procedures, tests, and chemicals. Therefore, if you consult any healthcare providers, inform them about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy increases your risk of gum disease, which could harm your unborn child's health. Therefore, it becomes essential to visit your dentist routinely.
What should you ask your OB-GYN during pregnancy?
When pregnant for the first time, it is natural to have many questions. While online resources can be valuable, discussing them with your OB-GYN during your prenatal visits is best to get tailored answers. Write the questions in your prenatal diary or log them on your phone to ensure you remember everything necessary during your appointment. If you need more clarity on what you should be discussing during different trimester visits, you can go through the following list of questions:
Questions to ask during the first trimester
- How much weight should I gain in the first trimester?
- Do I need to alter my diet in any way? Do I have to follow any restrictions?
- Can I continue exercising? What type of physical activity is safe?
- What pregnancy symptoms can I expect? How can I manage them?
- What are the warning signs I need to be aware of?
- Which prenatal vitamins should I take?
- Should I avoid any particular over-the-counter medications?
- Is it safe to have sex?
Questions to ask during the second trimester
- Is my baby developing normally?
- When will my baby start moving and kicking?
- Should I start sleeping on my side?
- Is it safe for me to go to work?
- Should I stop traveling?
- What problems can I expect during the second trimester?
- Can I continue having sex without harming my baby?
- Can you recommend a pediatrician?
Questions to ask during the third trimester
- Will I have a normal delivery or a cesarean section?
- What are the signs of going into labor?
- What types of pain management are available during delivery?
- What are the benefits of breastfeeding? How can I prepare for it?
- What changes can I expect after delivery?
What is a pelvic exam?
Some healthcare providers recommend a pelvic exam based on specific concerns, such as pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, or other symptoms. It is a routine procedure used to assess the health of reproductive organs. It may be included in a general checkup, but not everyone requires it annually. The exam is usually brief, lasting only a few minutes, and involves checking the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, rectum, and pelvis.
- Preparing for a pelvic exam - No special preparation is necessary before a pelvic exam. However, for comfort, it may be best to schedule the appointment when you're not on your period. Emptying your bladder beforehand can also help you feel more at ease. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure or possible results, consider writing them down and bringing them to your appointment.
- What to expect - A pelvic exam takes place in a doctor's office and is typically quick. You will be asked to change into a medical gown, and a sheet may be provided for additional privacy. Before the exam begins, your healthcare provider may monitor your heart and lungs and examine your abdomen, back, and breasts. A medical chaperone, such as a nurse or assistant, may be present in the room. If one is not automatically provided, you can request one or ask a friend, partner, or relative to accompany you for support.
- Steps of the pelvic exam:
- External examination - The doctor will first examine the outer genital area (vulva) to check for any signs of irritation, discoloration, sores, or swelling.
- Internal examination - A speculum, a hinged medical instrument made of plastic or metal, is gently inserted into the vagina to open its walls, allowing the doctor to see the cervix and vaginal canal. The speculum may be warmed beforehand to minimize discomfort. Some pressure may be felt, but relaxation can help ease any discomfort. If you experience pain, notify your doctor immediately.
- Pap smear (If needed) - If a Pap smear is included in the exam, a small spatula or a brush is used to collect a sample of cervical cells. The speculum is then removed.
- Manual examination - Because reproductive organs cannot be seen externally, the doctor will assess them by touch. A lubricated, gloved finger (or two) is inserted into the vagina while the other gently presses on the lower abdomen. This helps check the uterus and ovaries for size, shape, tenderness, or abnormalities. In some cases, a rectal exam may also be performed to detect any unusual signs or growths.
- Throughout the process, your doctor will explain each step to ensure you know what to expect.
- After the exam - Once the exam is complete, you can get dressed, and your doctor will discuss any findings with you. If further tests or follow-ups are needed, your provider will let you know.
How do you find the best OB-GYN near you in Rockville, MD?
Finding an OB-GYN is essential if you are expecting or planning to have a child. They will be a great guide both during pregnancy and after delivery. However, locating the best OB-GYN in Rockville can take time and effort. Zocdoc aims to match patients with a provider who can meet their needs.
You can enter your symptoms, location, date, and insurance plan on Zocdoc. Upon clicking 'find,' a comprehensive list of providers will appear. You can always check your insurance plan using Zocdoc's insurance checker. To do that, go to your account settings, scroll down to the insurance section, and upload a clear photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will scan it and suggest your likely plan. If you are facing any issues when uploading the image of your card, you can contact the service team, who will assist you in resolving the problem. Furthermore, if you have more insurance-related queries, read the FAQs on Zocdoc's patient help center page.
You can always filter to locate providers based on their languages, gender, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children. On Zocdoc, you will find a profile for each provider that includes their education qualifications, certifications, affiliations, awards, experience, areas of expertise, and licensure, among other details. You will also find verified reviews and ratings on each provider's profile. You can check out these ratings to locate the top-rated gynecologist near you.
With Zocdoc, you can book virtual and in-person consultations with an OB-GYN near you. Look for the purple-colored video buttons on the provider's profile for video appointments.
Booking appointments on Zocdoc is easy, safe, and 100% free.
OB-GYN health statistics in Maryland, USA
According to the May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 210 OB-GYNS in Maryland.
The American Cancer Society estimated around 5,950 new breast cancer cases in Maryland in 2024. Also, there is an estimation of nearly 830 deaths from it. The report also estimates almost 380 new cases of ovarian cancer, approximately 1,390 uterine cancer, and about 230 cervical cancer in 2024. The estimated deaths from ovary, uterine, and cervical cancer in 2024 are around 250, 310, and 70, respectively.
America's Health Rankings report shows that in 2020, nearly 78.3% of women aged between 21 and 44 received a pap smear for cervical cancer. Another report by the same organization stated that in 2021, approximately 25.5% of Maryland women with a recent childbirth wanted to delay or avoid becoming pregnant.
Sources
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[1]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[2]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[3]
American College of Surgeons
WebMD
Healthline
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Victoria Advocate
Cleveland Clinic
Verywell Health
University of Colorado OB-GYN
Johns Hopkins Medicine
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Cancer Society
America's Health Rankings[1]
America's Health Rankings[2]
Office on Women’s Health
Kernodle Clinic
