OBGYN and Midwife Face-off

Because pregnancy is a momentous experience in a woman's life, it is important that an expectant mother consult her doctor regularly. This is to monitor her baby's growth and her health during the gestation period. She can choose to consult either an OBGYN or a midwife.

What is the difference between an OBGYN and a midwife? Although they both specialize in pregnant women, there are various criteria that separate these two practitioners. These criteria include basic duties, training, certification, and improvement.

An OBGYN diagnoses and treats ailments related to the female reproductive system, including hormonal disorders, breast and cervical cancer, pelvic disorders, and urinary tract infections. Given, too, are counseling services, monitoring the health conditions of women during their pregnancy, and assistance during labor. Midwives also do the same thing, but their services are more accessible as they do in-home consultation and services. They can aid in delivering the baby at home, but may refer the mother to a physician if there is a need.

When it comes to training, OBGYNs have completed a four-year residency aside from earning an undergraduate degree. Additional three years of training is required if an ob gyn in houston wants to pursue other subspecializations such as endocrinology. A midwife, in contrast, is trained through programs accredited by authorized associations such as the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council. Theoretical and clinical skills needed to assist women through pregnancy and delivery are taught in these programs which allow them to earn a certificate or enroll in a bachelor's or master's degree program.

Both an ob gyn houston and a midwife are required to be certified before they can practice, but the process of certification for each practitioner is different. An OBGYN can seek certification after completing residency, while a midwife can only be certified after completing the program, passing a number of exams, and attending to a minimum of 20 births. Subspecialties in OBGYN also require passing an examination in order to be awarded with certification.

Improvement for an obgyn houston involves continuous education in order to maintain their license. The OBGYNs who were certified after 1986 are required to be periodically recertified. Certified midwives are required to renew their certification every three years. Renewal process usually involves completing 30 hours of continuing education in the form of classes or a written exam.