Dr. Sabina RazdolskyObstetrics & Gynecology
Last reviewed: March 1, 2026Written by Dr. Sabina Razdolsky

Obstetrics: Pregnancy, Birth, and Maternal Care

Obstetrics is the medical specialty dedicated to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. An obstetrician monitors the health of both mother and baby from the first prenatal visit through delivery and recovery. This page provides an evidence-based overview of key obstetric topics.

What Is Obstetrics?

Obstetrics is the branch of medicine focused on caring for women during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the period immediately after birth. Obstetricians are trained to manage both normal pregnancies and those complicated by medical conditions, ensuring the safest possible outcomes for mothers and their babies.

Most obstetricians in practice today are trained as OB/GYNs, meaning they also specialize in gynecology. This dual training allows them to provide continuity of care across a woman's reproductive life.

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care (also called antenatal care) refers to the regular medical check-ups and screenings you receive throughout pregnancy. These visits allow your doctor to track your health and your baby's development, identify potential complications early, and provide guidance on nutrition, activity, and preparation for birth.

A typical prenatal care schedule includes:

  • First visit around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy
  • Monthly visits through 28 weeks
  • Biweekly visits from 28 to 36 weeks
  • Weekly visits from 36 weeks until delivery

Read more about pregnancy by trimester

High-Risk Pregnancy Overview

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the mother, the baby, or both face a higher chance of health problems before, during, or after delivery. Factors that may contribute to a high-risk classification include:

  • Advanced maternal age (typically over 35) or very young age
  • Pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders
  • Multiple gestations (twins, triplets, or more)
  • History of preterm birth, pregnancy loss, or cesarean delivery
  • Pregnancy-specific conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes

High-risk pregnancies often require more frequent monitoring, additional testing, and potentially referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (perinatologist).

Labor and Delivery Overview

Labor is the process by which your body prepares for and accomplishes childbirth. It consists of three main stages:

  • First stage: Begins with regular contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm). This is the longest stage and includes early labor and active labor.
  • Second stage: The pushing phase, from full dilation to the birth of the baby.
  • Third stage: Delivery of the placenta, usually within 5 to 30 minutes after birth.

Learn more about labor and delivery

Common Obstetric Conditions

Several conditions can arise during pregnancy that require medical attention. Some of the most common include:

  • Gestational diabetes: High blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after delivery.
  • Preeclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Placenta previa: When the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix, which may require cesarean delivery.
  • Preterm labor: Labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): When the baby grows more slowly than expected in the womb.

Each of these conditions has specific monitoring protocols and management strategies. Your obstetrician will tailor care based on the specific condition and its severity.

When to Seek Urgent Care During Pregnancy

Contact your healthcare provider or go to the hospital immediately if you experience:

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet
  • Severe headache that does not improve
  • Visual disturbances (blurred vision, seeing spots)
  • Decreased or absent fetal movement
  • Leaking fluid from the vagina (possible water breaking)
  • Regular contractions before 37 weeks

Related Research

Dr. Razdolsky's published research includes studies on preterm labor induction, appendectomy during pregnancy, and management of prelabor rupture of membranes.

View research publications

Frequently Asked Questions

An obstetrician specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, while a gynecologist focuses on the female reproductive system outside of pregnancy. Many physicians train in both fields (OB/GYN) and provide comprehensive care across all stages of a woman's reproductive life.

For a typical low-risk pregnancy, visits are usually scheduled monthly through 28 weeks, every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks until delivery. High-risk pregnancies may require more frequent monitoring.

A pregnancy may be considered high-risk due to maternal age (under 17 or over 35), pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension, multiple gestations (twins or more), prior pregnancy complications, or conditions that develop during pregnancy such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

Standard prenatal testing includes blood type and antibody screening, complete blood count, glucose tolerance testing, infectious disease screening, and ultrasounds. First-trimester screening and genetic testing options are also offered based on individual risk factors and preferences.

Generally, you should head to the hospital when contractions are regular, roughly 5 minutes apart, lasting about 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour (the 5-1-1 rule). Go immediately if your water breaks, you have heavy bleeding, or you notice decreased fetal movement.

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is an option for many women, depending on the type of prior uterine incision, the reason for the previous cesarean, and overall pregnancy health. Your obstetrician can assess whether VBAC is appropriate for your specific situation.

Related Pages

PregnancyLabor & DeliveryPostpartumPreconception