What is a Family Practice or General Practice Physician?
A Family Practice doctor is an MD or DO (Osteopathic Medicine) with a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care to people of all ages. It is a form of primary care that provides continuing, comprehensive health care for the individual and family across all ages, sexes, diseases, and parts of the body. It is based on knowledge of the patient in the context of the family and the community, emphasizing disease prevention and health promotion. (wikipedia) Not all Family Practice physicians offer prenatal care or attend births. Be sure to check with your Family Practice physician to see if they offer this option and have admitting privileges at your local hospital. It is possible that a pregnant woman who is “high risk” may be referred to an OB, and if a woman will be giving birth by cesarean, an OB would be needed to perform the surgery.
