Obstetrics definition is frequently heard during pregnancy. First of all, this branch of medicine focuses on the problems related to the reproductive tract of women during and after this period, covering the birth and postpartum period. In addition, the care of newborn children is within the scope of obstetrics. However, it is not a medical branch alone.
It is one of the sub-branches of the obstetrics and gynecology department. It also deals only with pregnancy. Obstetrics begins to take care of the mother from the moment pregnancy begins. This process continues until the last week of pregnancy. He also deals with the treatment of women who have problems during the puerperium, which is experienced after the pregnancy is over. Specialists who deal with very serious problems related to pregnancy such as miscarriage, premature birth, fetal anomalies and failure of embryo development work in the field of obstetrics.
In Which Cases Does Obstetrics Deal?
Obstetric cases study obstetrics rather than gynecology. In this context, doctors who are obstetricians and gynecologists follow the process in coordination with expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy. Since pregnancy is a physiological process, it carries certain risk factors at every stage. Therefore, examinations are repeated frequently in order to avoid any possible problems.
Although the rate is extremely low, miscarriage can be observed in our country, just as it is seen all over the world. In addition, ultrasound examinations are done to see the level of the baby’s condition rather than the mother’s health. As a matter of fact, the developmental stage of the embryo is not at the ideal level, the different anomalies experienced in the fetus process and premature babies, which are likely to arrive prematurely, are exactly in the field of interest of obstetricians. Especially when it comes to risky pregnancies, obstetric cases can be seen extremely common.
What Does Obstetric Ultrasonography Mean?
Ultrasound examinations are performed by the Obstetrician at certain intervals, especially for those who have risky pregnancies. However, we can talk about a process that is not limited to this. Today, from the moment it is understood whether there is a risk factor in pregnancies, a sensitive period begins for both the mother and the baby.
It is possible to consider this whole process as an Obstetric treatment process. Today, a serious struggle is being made to prevent high-risk pregnancies. The examinations performed reduce the risk to the minimum level.
- Ultrasound Examinations
- NST (Non-stress Test)
- Down Syndrome Test
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic Villus Sampling
~ 252~Cordocentesis
At this stage, ultrasound examinations can be encountered within ordinary routine controls. NST is mostly applied before birth. At this stage, it is observed whether the baby is getting oxygen, whether the heart is beating, and whether there is a problem with its development. As of the 15th week, the Down syndrome screening test, which is also known as the triple screening test in the obstetric literature, is performed. Amniocentesis, as a test that also strengthens the triple screening test, is applied at 16-18 weeks.
With chorionic villus sampling, investigations are made on the suspicion of chromosomal diseases. Let us emphasize that this test is quite special, as it is performed with a micro-piece to be taken from the placenta. Finally, Cordocentesis gives a lot of data from the baby’s chromosomal disorders to the low risk of the baby.
The Importance of Ultrasound in Pregnancy
Throughout pregnancy, the obstetric examination process continues with ultrasonography. Thanks to detailed ultrasound, the development process of the baby is monitored and a possible risky pregnancy is diagnosed early. Detailed pregnancy ultrasound is performed three times for all pregnant women, once between 11-13 weeks, once between 18-23.weeks and once after 24 weeks. However, in obstetric cases, a more detailed and frequent ultrasonography may be required.
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