Who are OB-GYNs?
Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYN) are specialists in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the female reproductive system. They provide medical and surgical care for women in the areas of primary health, pregnancy, labor, delivery, gynecological, and oncological care. They can treat several conditions related to pregnancy as well as gynecological conditions.
They perform procedures such as cesarean section (C-section), circumcision, endometrial biopsy, laser surgery, ultrasounds, diagnostic and operative laparoscopy, vulvar biopsy, colposcopy, and Pap smears.
What kind of education and training do OB-GYNs receive?
Aspiring OB-GYNs must first complete their graduation and join a medical school. Here, they study theory for the first two years. The following two years involve clinical work in different settings, such as hospitals and clinics. On completing medical school, they receive a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (O.D.) degree.
They must then take up a four-year residency focusing on obstetrics and gynecology. Here, they train to perform deliveries, hysterectomies, and other procedures. Their education and training also focus on reproductive healthcare, disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. About 90% of OB-GYNs begin practicing as generalists after their residency. Those wishing to specialize further must do an additional fellowship, after which they receive board certification in their chosen subspecialty.
What are the different OB-GYN subspecialties?
OB-GYNs can focus on any of the seven sub-specializations recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). These include:
- Gynecologic oncology: This subspecialty offers the best care possible to patients with gynecologic cancers. It deals with neoplasias of the vulva, cervix, ovary, and uterus.
- Critical care medicine: this involves diagnoses, care, and support for seriously ill and injured patients.
- Infertility and reproductive endocrinology: This involves diagnosing and managing hormonal imbalances and fertility problems. This field also involves procedures such as gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), and embryo transfer.
- Complex family planning: This deals with complex medical issues. OB-GYNs often consult with other medical professionals to ensure their patients receive the best reproductive care possible.
- Maternal and fetal medicine: This involves managing pregnancy-related difficulties and addressing health issues that affect the mother and the unborn child. This subspecialty focuses on treating complicated medical conditions such as coagulopathies, renal disease, and preterm labor.
- Hospice and palliative medicine: This involves working with patients with terminal illnesses to improve their quality of life and lessen suffering.
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery: This subspeciality involves medical and surgical treatment for women with pelvic floor diseases such as fecal/urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other urinary disorders.
What common conditions do OB-GYNs treat?
An obstetrician-gynecologist can treat the following common conditions:
- Endometriosis: An often painful condition, endometriosis occurs when the endometrium (a tissue that usually lies inside the uterus) grows outside the uterus in the tissue lining the pelvis, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. In this condition, the endometrium becomes trapped, which, in a normal process, thickens, breaks down, and exits the body in the form of blood during a menstrual period. Symptoms involve painful periods, pain during sex, and pain during bowel movements or urination. Endometriosis is an idiopathic condition. However, many possible causes or theories may explain why it occurs.
- Preeclampsia: This condition is one of the many complications that can occur during pregnancy. Beginning at 20 weeks of pregnancy, a patient with preeclampsia will have high blood pressure and elevated protein levels in the urine (which could be a sign of kidney damage). The condition may become life-threatening for the mother and the baby if left untreated. Common signs of preeclampsia include shortness of breath, pain in the upper belly (typically below the ribs), severe headaches, a decrease in platelet count, and vomiting.
- Ovarian cysts: The ovaries grow follicles each month. Follicles then produce estrogen and progesterone hormones and release an egg during ovulation. When a normal follicle grows, it becomes a functional cyst, which is generally harmless, doesn't cause pain, and disappears without treatment. Cysts that develop in or on the surface of ovaries may be filled with a watery or mucous-like material. Ovarian cysts that rupture can cause severe pain. The approach to treating an ovarian cyst depends on the patient's age and the size of the cyst. Some cysts go away on their own within a few months. In cases where an ovarian cyst is large and does not look like a functional cyst, your OB-GYN may recommend surgical removal of the cyst.
- Infertility: Infertility in females may occur due to the presence of hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine or cervical abnormalities, fallopian tube damage, or certain reproductive cancers. Infertile couples can opt for assisted reproductive technology like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which helps conceive a child or prevent genetic problems. Before beginning IVF, an OB-GYN may conduct several screening tests.
Procedural expertise of an OB-GYN
Obstetrics and gynecology address pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and a wide range of gynecological conditions through both surgical and non-surgical approaches. These specialties provide comprehensive care tailored to each stage of a woman's life.
Obstetrics
Obstetrics focuses on conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, with patient management tailored to pregnancy trimesters: the first (weeks 1–13), second (weeks 14–27), and third (week 28 until delivery). During the first trimester, tests like STD screens, Pap smears, and genetic testing ensure the health of both mother and baby. The OB/GYN will also estimate the due date for delivery.
The second trimester involves monitoring fetal growth and heartbeat and screening for gestational diabetes or genetic abnormalities, with additional tests like amniocentesis for high-risk pregnancies. In the third trimester, assessments are made for any preterm contractions, placental issues, and potential bacterial infections. The OB/GYN ensures the baby's position is optimal and may administer vaccines such as Tdap or flu shots.
Delivery can be induced or natural, involving vaginal birth or cesarean section (C-section), with pain relief provided through epidural, spinal, or combined anesthesia. Postpartum care addresses the health of both mother and newborn with regular checks and preventive treatments. Social and psychological support is also provided to the mother.
Gynecology
Gynecology encompasses a broad range of treatments for women's health conditions, utilizing both surgical and non-surgical methods. Non-surgical therapies include medications for menstrual pain, heavy periods, infections, and hormone-modulating treatments for issues like endometriosis, infertility, and menopause. Contraceptive options include hormonal methods, such as oral pills or injectables, and non-hormonal alternatives like IUDs and diaphragms.
Surgical interventions address various gynecological conditions. Common procedures include adhesiolysis for scar tissue, cervical excisions or biopsies, colporrhaphy for vaginal wall repair, hysterectomies, and laparoscopies for pelvic organ evaluation. Other surgeries, such as endometrial ablation and tubal ligation, manage uterine issues or prevent pregnancy. Gynecology's holistic approach ensures comprehensive care for women's health throughout their lives.
What are some healthy pregnancy tips?
Promoting healthy birth hinges on ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Early, consistent prenatal care is crucial in averting complications and enlightening women about proactive measures they can take for a well-rounded pregnancy. Here are some of the healthy pregnancy tips that may come in handy as you prepare for your child to be born:
- Early prenatal care: During the initial phases of your pregnancy, your primary task should involve locating a reputable care provider. This proactive step ensures you receive the necessary prenatal care. You will need your provider throughout your pregnancy and even after giving birth. Finding a good and experienced OB-GYN can sometimes be a daunting task. Zocdoc can assist you in finding the best OB-GYN near you for pregnancy.
- Diet and supplements: Ensure you eat wholesome and nutritious food. Consuming whole grains, vegetables, fruits, eggs, meats, and dairy products ensures proper intake of essential nutrients. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Your care provider might also prescribe prenatal supplements containing folic acid and iron.
- Exercise and rest: Maintain an active routine through regular exercise. Physical activity aids in stress management and significantly prepares you for the challenges of labor and motherhood. After consultation with your care provider, you can engage in various physical activities, including walking, swimming, and practicing yoga. A sufficient amount of rest is equally important during pregnancy. Prioritize quality sleep and try to give your feet ample rest whenever feasible.
- Things to avoid: Refrain from consuming alcohol, using drugs, and smoking. Opting for a rejuvenating fruit dose offers more significant benefits than caffeine.
- Emotional well-being: The significance of your emotional well-being cannot be understated. You may experience mood swings and emotional swings due to the hormonal variations that can occur during pregnancy. If you suspect you are experiencing depressive episodes that are impacting you, make sure to seek assistance.
- Self-education: Familiarize yourself with the various phases of pregnancy and stay vigilant about moments that necessitate seeking medical assistance. Reach out to your provider if you experience symptoms such as severe pain, cramps, vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, dizziness, palpitations, swelling of joints, and a reduction in the movement of the fetus.
What are cesarean sections, and why are they needed?
Cesarean sections, or C-sections, are pelvic surgeries performed by OB-GYNs. C-sections are necessary for certain situations during pregnancy or labor, such as herpes or HIV infections, malposition of the unborn baby, twin/triplet pregnancies, improper placenta position, slow labor, vessels overlying the opening of the cervix, fetal distress, or very large fetal weight. With Zocdoc, you can quickly locate the best OB-GYN near you for pregnancy.
Apart from C-sections, other procedures performed by OB-GYNs include:
- Biopsy sampling
- Removal and insertion of intrauterine contraceptive devices
- Endometrial ablation, which involves removing the endometrial cavity lining to correct heavy periods
- Ultrasound health examinations
- Hysterectomy to remove the uterus
- Oophorectomy to remove the ovaries
- Myomectomy to remove fibroids or benign leiomyoma tumors
- Salpingectomy to remove fallopian tubes
- Pelvic support surgery to correct organ prolapse
- Removal and insertion of pessaries to treat pelvic floor dysfunction
Find the best OB-GYN near you in Scarsdale, New York
Finding an OB-GYN in your neighborhood can be difficult. However, you can consult one from the comfort of your home in minutes with Zocdoc's aid. To book a video consultation or in-person appointment, visit the Zocdoc website and enter your condition or symptoms, insurance details, location, and the day you wish to see a provider. Choose "find" to access a list of the top OB-GYNs. Moreover, you may filter your search results by location, time of day, hospital affiliation, gender, languages spoken, and whether a practitioner treats children.
Select your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu to see only those providers who accept your insurance. By doing this, the results will only include in-network providers. Your insurance card information is completely secure with Zocdoc. We prioritize protecting your personal data and follow the highest industry standards to ensure its safety. For more details on how we handle and safeguard your information, please refer to our privacy policy. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
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Locating the best OB-GYN near you is now easier with Zocdoc! Booking appointments on Zocdoc are secure, quick, and free.
Statistics on OB-GYNs and pregnancy and childbirth in New York
According to the New York State Department of Health, there were 41 pregnancy-related deaths in the state in 2018, which meant a rate of 18.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. The leading causes of these deaths included embolism (28%), hemorrhage (20%), and mental health conditions (15%). According to the research, 78% of these deaths were avoidable, and 100% of deaths due to mental health difficulties, hemorrhage, and cardiomyopathy were preventable. More than half the deaths occurred within six weeks of pregnancy. Women who had cesarean delivery were 1.7 times more susceptible to dying of pregnancy-related causes than women who had regular deliveries.
In 2020, 75.2% of women in New York got prenatal care beginning in the first four months of pregnancy, with the necessary amount of visits for the infant's gestational age, according to America's Health Rankings. About 76.2% of women aged 21 to 44 received a Pap smear screening within the past three years. Further, women aged between 35 and 44 (85.7%) formed the group that opted for the highest number of cervical cancer screenings when compared to those aged between 25 and 34 (78.6%) and those between 21 and 24 (48.8%). While 77.9% of non-metro women received a screening, the percentage was lower at 76.1% for women in metros.
Around 70.5% of women aged 18 to 44 made a well-woman medical visit in 2020–21. About 28.7% of deliveries in the state in 2020 were low-risk cesarean deliveries. These were singleton, head-first, and term (with 37 or more completed weeks of pregnancy) births.
According to America's Health Rankings, there were 2.9 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births in New York in 2018–19 during the first 28 days of life. About 8.2% of infants weighed less than 2,500 grams at birth in 2020 in the state. Low-weight births were the highest in mothers aged 15 to 18 (10.2%) and those aged 40 to 44 (10.1%). The percentage was lower in mothers aged 20 to 24 (8.3%), 25 to 29 (7.9%), 30 to 34 (7.8%), and 35 to 39 (8.1%).
Sources
American College of Surgeons
St. George's University
University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Wooster Community Hospital Health System
New York State Department of Health
America's Health Rankings[1]
America's Health Rankings[2]
America's Health Rankings[3]
America's Health Rankings[4]
America's Health Rankings[5]
America's Health Rankings[6]
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
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Mayo Clinic[6]
Mayo Clinic[7]
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Verywellhealth
