Obstetrical Care: HSA Eligibility
Obstetrical Care: eligible with a Health Savings Account (HSA)What is obstetrical care?
Obstetrical care is the medical practice of caring for women their baby's health through several stages of motherhood, beginning with prenatal care and ending with postnatal care. An obstetrician also provides obstetrical care during all three trimesters of pregnancy and labor.
Obstetrical care in the prenatal phase mainly consists of screening for complications and disorders. This happens through regular office visits and routine lab tests. Into the first trimester, tests continue. These tests include genetic screening for disorders such as Downs syndrome, ultrasounds for fetal health in the second trimester, and glucose loading tests in the third trimester.
During labor, an obstetrician monitors progress by checking the nursing chart, measuring vaginal dilation, and reading and assessing the cardiotocograph's results. A cardiotocograph measures the fetal heartbeat (WebMD).
The obstetrician also provides postnatal care, which includes monitoring health and functions/concerns like bleeding, bowel and bladder function, and baby care. The obstetrician can recommend to the mother when it is safe to leave the hospital for home after childbirth as well.
Most obstetrical care is provided by OB/GYN medical doctors. Obstetrical care is eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account.
What is an OB/GYN?
An OB/GYN is a medical doctor who has completed a postgraduate training program in obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics is the branch of medicine concerned with childbirth and care given to women before, during and after childbirth. Gynecology is the branch of medicine concerned with medical conditions and diseases specific to women, especially with respect to the female reproductive system (Healthline).
An OB/GYN is trained to perform the role of both an obstetrician and a gynecologist, and has completed a board-approved residency and passed a board-certified exam.
Obstetrical care services are eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account.