Obstetrics

Obstetrics is the branch of health care that focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Our OB/GYN team at The Howard Center has extensive experience providing obstetrics care to women throughout all stages of pregnancy at our state-of-the-art offices throughout Georgia. The providers have privileges to deliver at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton and Piedmont Healthcare in Covington. For excellent care in obstetrics, call the nearest office, or request an appointment online today.

When should I start seeing an obstetrician?

You should schedule an appointment at The Howard Center as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Our obstetrics team is here for you, from the positive test to your baby’s delivery and beyond. At your first visit, we recommend a schedule of prenatal care appointments tailored to your unique needs.

Some women choose to see their family physician during pregnancy. While many family doctors provide prenatal care, they lack the specialized training of our board-certified obstetricians at The Howard Center. If you have a high-risk pregnancy that may require a cesarean section delivery, your obstetrician can perform that surgery.

Pregnancy is high-risk if the mother is older than 35, is pregnant with multiples, or has a medical condition that may cause complications. Some pregnancies start out normal and become high-risk if a condition develops during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes. Many women who anticipate normal pregnancies still prefer to receive care from an experienced obstetrician.

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care is an essential part of staying healthy throughout pregnancy. Our team at The Howard Center customizes prenatal care according to your needs, but most women should expect to come in once a month for the first 28 weeks. Then, you come in twice a month until 36 weeks, at which point your visits change to once a week until you give birth.

During appointments, your expert obstetrician monitors your health and the health of your developing baby. They may make recommendations regarding your nutrition and exercise habits and perform tests, such as an ultrasound, to measure your baby’s growth. We also perform glucose tests, general prenatal labs, and any other lab-based services that we feel you may need during the pregnancy. 

What tests and procedures might obstetrics entail?

Our team at The Howard Center provides personalized obstetrics care based on your pregnancy. Depending on your age, overall health, and risk factors, our providers may perform various tests and procedures, such as:

• Ultrasound
• Genetic testing
• Amniocentesis
• Cordocentesis
• Vaginal delivery
• Cesarean delivery
• Vaginal birth after cesarean

If a pregnancy becomes a miscarriage, they may perform dilation and curettage — also known as a D&C — to remove tissue from inside of the uterus.

For advanced expertise in obstetrics, call The Howard Center, or request an appointment online today.