If you plan on using a midwife to have your baby, do you still have the need for obstetrics in your life? You can still have a midwife and get maternity care, and it might be especially necessary. Even if you plan on having your baby at home with little to no intervention, it's wise to seek professional care if any of the following apply to you. As always, make your medical decisions for you and your baby by speaking to a maternity care specialist before coming up with a birthing plan or any pre-baby care plans.
You have a history of high blood pressure
Obstetrics is the medical practice of caring for women during childbirth and the medical needs regarding childbirth in general. If you have a history of high blood pressure, then you and your unborn baby can be at risk of pre-eclampsia, a serious medical condition pregnant women can fall victim to. Other issues can arise from high blood pressure as well, so make sure you consider consulting with a specialist in obstetrics or maternity care before continuing your pregnancy without additional care.
This is your first child
If this is your first pregnancy, you need to be watched by a medical professional to ensure that you and your unborn baby don't have serious issues throughout your pregnancy. You don't have a medical history regarding pregnancy yet, so it can be hard to know what can happen when you're having the baby. Even if you plan on having your baby at home with or without the assistance of a midwife or other maternity care specialist, you should consider a specialist in obstetrics at least for a consult and birthing plan.
You've had birthing complications before
Any person who has had complications while giving birth in the past should be closely watched when they have another baby to ensure the unborn child doesn't have any serious complications and that repeated medical issues aren't apparent during the delivery of the baby. If you have a history of uterine tears, babies that won't turn, long labors, low oxygen levels while giving birth, and other serious medical conditions that can be life-threatening, then it's wise to consult with a doctor who specializes in obstetrics before you consider giving birth at home.
You can come up with a valuable birth plan that works best for you and your unborn child regarding maternity care and aftercare. Speak to your general doctor if you need a referral to a maternity care specialist in your area. Contact a medical facility like Ob-Gyne Associates of Libertyville to learn more.
