Advances in Obstetrics Provide More Individualized Care

Carlos Rodriguez, M.D., obstetrics and gynecology, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: Nov. 1, 2006

Women’s health is one aspect of medicine that has seen significant advances in recent years, many of which have been patient driven. As women have become more educated consumers, they deserve credit for directing the creation of health care that focuses on their unique needs, in obstetrics, gynecology and many other areas of medicine.

In obstetrics specifically, medical care as evolved over the past 5 to 10 years from simply having routine prenatal checkups to making the pregnancy and birthing process a more well-rounded experience.

For example, we are now beginning to realize some of the benefits of utilizing alternative medicines, such as chiropractic care and massage therapy, during a woman’s pregnancy. I think the use of these practices will only continue to grow. And, as women come to expect more out of their health care, I think clinics and hospitals will continue to cater to them, creating boutique-like hospital settings and providing services for all aspects of birth, before, during and after, in one central location.

Having immediate access to her physician is another important factor for many women during pregnancy. This is one huge advantage of having an office in the new Columbia St. Mary’s Prospect Medical Commons.

This office location, with its proximity to St. Mary’s hospital, allows me to have immediate access to my clinic patients and hospital patients, as well as to the Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit within the hospital. This translates into more time with my patients.

In addition, this new clinic has everything my patients will need during their pregnancy, including any diagnostic needs as well as access to other physician specialists, who may be able to see a woman the same day she is in my office.

Another big change in obstetrics in recent years is the number of women who begin families after age 35. For these women, my most important piece of advice is to seek good medical care very early in the pregnancy process. Waiting until the second or third trimester to see a doctor can put both the mother and baby’s health at risk. For example, women over the age of 35 are at an increased risk for certain types of birth defects and birthing complications. In addition, this age group has also seen an increase in the number of multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.) in recent years as doctors are called upon more and more to consult in the conception process.

No matter what her age, even if a woman is not planning a pregnancy, early prenatal care is essential to a healthy pregnancy. Nearly 50 percent of the pregnant women I see were not actively trying to get pregnant, which makes early care that much more important.

Pre-conception counseling can help a woman deal with medical issues that could be harmful during pregnancy, especially conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and lifestyle habits such as drinking and smoking. It also can help women know what type of medications they should start or stop taking should they decide to become pregnant. Since a fetus’ organs are formed during the first trimester, this type of early care is vital to the infant’s health.

Many women ask me about beginning an exercise program during pregnancy. If a woman has been exercising regularly before conception, there is no reason she cannot continue her normal exercise routine through the first trimester. Women who have not been exercising but wish to start can safely begin exercising slowly to their comfort level, after consulting their doctor. During the second and third trimesters, however, exercise needs to be modified to avoid injury to the abdomen and uterus. Furthermore, prolonged episodes of immobility, such as during yoga, in conjunction with the established pregnancy can place these patients at an increased risk to develop blood clots.

Any woman of childbearing age can benefit from open dialogue with her doctor about her personal reproductive health and expectations. I think women will find that as health care technology continues to advance, there will be more techniques and treatment modalities that will enhance their prenatal experience.

Carlos Rodriguez, M.D.
Obstetrics and gynecology
Columbia St. Mary’s
414-326-1745

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