Obstectrics
Family
physicians play a significant role in delivering care to pregnant
women and their families. Nearly 30% of New England family physicians
incorporate obstetrics into their practices, and more than one out
of five family doctors in Rhode Island provide prenatal and obstetrical
care.
Family
doctors who care for women throughout pregnancy and delivery provide
care that is comprehensive, coordinated, continuous and family-centered.
Comprehensive care includes routine preventive and medical
care for both a mother and her new baby.
Coordinated
care means a primary care doctor supports patients by providing
timely and appropriate referrals, collecting recommendations, translating
information and assisting patients with often difficult or confusing
medical decisions.
Continuity
of care allows one broadly trained doctor to know and care for
a person through the many stages of his or her life.
Family-centered
care involves a broad view of pregnancy care, and does not separate
obstetrics from caring for infants and children. The family doctor
treats the mother and her baby before, during and after delivery
and cares for the entire family throughout all stages of life.
Even
in family physician practices where prenatal or maternity care is
not routinely delivered, a certain level of expertise in obstetrics
is available. All family doctors are trained to diagnose and manage
many conditions related to pregnancy, and to refer them to other practitioners
when necessary.
Many
RIAFP physicians do provide obstetric services; visit the RIAFP
Physician Directory to find a doctor matched to your needs.
