Obstetrical Care

Catawba Women’s Center offers pregnant patients a choice between two types of professionals who offer medical care for pregnancy and birth: Obstetrician–Gynecologists (ob-gyns) and Certified Nurse–Midwives (CNMs).

Obstetrician-Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in the reproductive care of women. After graduating from medical school, ob-gyns complete a 4-year residency training course specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. All of the OB/Gyn physicians at Catawba Women’s Center are Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. To be Board Certified, a physician must pass written and oral tests to show that he or she has obtained the knowledge and skills required for the medical and surgical care of women. Once certified, physicians must maintain certification by participating in continuing education programs and exams to stay up-to-date with the latest medical advances.

Certified Nurse-Midwives are licensed healthcare practitioners educated in the two disciplines of nursing and midwifery. They provide primary healthcare to women of childbearing age including: prenatal care, labor and delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, newborn care, assistance with family planning decisions, preconception care, menopausal management and counseling in health maintenance and disease prevention. CNMs attend over 10 percent of the births in the United States. For more information about Nurse-Midwives, please see the web site for the American College of Nurse-Midwives .