Family practice physicians are also a popular choice depending largely upon their areas of expertise. Family physicians spend several years following medical school specializing in areas such as surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and medicine. Their training enables them to provide a broad range of medical services to the entire family, sometimes including the incoming child. In some cases, the family physician may refer you to an obstetrics specialist rather than handle the delivery himself. Young Dr., Lexington, KY 40505.
Perinatologists are specialists in high-risk pregnancy, fetal, and maternal medicine.
Two years of training in high-risk pregnancies and associated areas follow their residency. They must then complete both an oral and written exam to gain board certification in fetal and maternal medicine. If your primary physician believes you may be a high-risk pregnancy, they will likely refer you to a perinatologist. Other than doctors, nurse-midwives are the next popular alternative for delivering children. These are registered nurses with an additional year of advanced graduate training in obstetrics.