How Often Should I See an OBGYN?
Your OBGYN holds a big key to your health throughout adulthood. This professional has the knowledge and training to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions you may face. Some people make the mistake of waiting too long in between appointments. This can compromise one’s health and increase the likelihood of developing problems. Make sure you keep on track with wellness visits and that you do not put off appointments when you are not feeling well.
Taking care of numerous issues
There are many advantages a woman can have in visiting an obstetrician/gynecologist for her health and wellness needs. One of these is that this doctor can follow the life cycle of a woman’s care from the time she is in her teens into her elderly years. The OBGYN is well-versed in many common conditions that affect women. This professional can do the following for patients:
- Help with reproductive care
- Give counsel with postpartum depression
- Oversee a woman’s pregnancy, labor and delivery
- Screen for cervical cancer
Annual OBGYN checkups
It is a wise practice to get into the habit of seeing an obstetrician/gynecologist once a year for a wellness exam. At this appointment, the doctor will do a pap smear to check for cancer of the cervix. The doctor will also conduct a thorough examination of the pelvis and abdomen. Women over age 40 should have a breast exam as well. This appointment can assess the overall wellness of adult women, similar to how an annual pediatrician appointment benefits a child.
Pregnancy visits
During pregnancy, appointments with the doctor should increase considerably. The first appointment should come at eight weeks into the nine-month period. Monthly visits should follow until about 30 weeks. At this time, the woman should start seeing the doctor every two weeks or even weekly if the doctor prefers. At these visits, the doctor will do an ultrasound to evaluate the baby’s health and to check on the woman’s cervix and placenta. At each visit, the pregnant woman should feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns.
Postnatal appointments
The relationship between the obstetrician/gynecologist should not end once the baby is born. It is important for the woman to follow up with her doctor to check whether she is bleeding or has other residual effects from labor and delivery. The postnatal appointment might be the right time to discuss birth control options as well as postpartum depression concerns.
Emergencies
No one should have to wait for the next appointment to discuss a significant problem. If the woman is in extreme pain, starts to bleed or has other troubling issues, she should consult her doctor. The office staff should be able to accommodate after-hours appointment for serious problems. The doctor may advise the patient to head straight to the hospital if the baby’s health is in jeopardy.
Time to visit
You cannot afford to miss an appointment with your obstetrician/gynecologist. Your doctor will help you progress toward labor and delivery. This professional is also concerned with the development and well-being of your baby. Do not hesitate to make an appointment today.
Request an appointment here: https://eckhardtobgyn.com or call Donald Eckhardt Jr., M.D. , Kari Eckhardt W.H.N.P., C.N.M. at (346) 201-4716 for an appointment in our Tomball office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: OBGYN in Tomball, TX.
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