About
As a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Marie-Claude Lebel offers a full spectrum of services from routine gynecological exams to managing complex obstetrical cases, prioritizing patient well-being and informed choice. Practicing at the Clinique Os'céans in Baie-Comeau, QC, she is dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe and ethical medical care. Dr. Lebel's role encompasses a wide range of women's health services, including preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of reproductive health issues, as well as pregnancy management and childbirth.
Having graduated with a Medical Degree in 1998, Dr. Lebel has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology for over 26 years. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training and obtained certification in her specialty, which underscores her commitment to maintaining high professional standards and staying current with advancements in women’s health care.
Dr. Lebel is committed to patient-centered care, emphasizing shared decision-making and evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to supporting women of all ages in Baie-Comeau, providing compassionate, respectful, and individualized care. Fluent in French, she ensures clear communication with her patients, fostering a trusting and reassuring clinical environment.
Dr. Marie-Claude Lebel provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders
- Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed, Overflow): The involuntary loss of urine, which can occur with physical exertion (stress), a sudden, strong urge (urge), a combination, or due to bladder overfilling.
- Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS): A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
Common Benign Gynecological Conditions
- Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or infertility.
- Bartholin's Gland Cysts/Abscesses: Blockage and subsequent swelling or infection of the Bartholin's glands, located near the vaginal opening.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries), often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, which can lead to serious complications if untreated.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Severe Morning Sickness): A severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and weight loss, requiring medical management.
- Multiple Gestation (Twins, Triplets, etc.): Pregnancies involving more than one fetus, requiring specialized care and monitoring due to increased risks.
- Routine & High-Risk Prenatal Care: Comprehensive monitoring and management throughout all stages of pregnancy, including those with increased maternal or fetal risks.
This list highlights some common conditions managed within Obstetrics and Gynecology and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific health concerns, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Marie-Claude Lebel or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- Preconception Counseling & Health Optimization: Guidance and health optimization for individuals or couples planning a pregnancy, including discussion of folic acid supplementation, chronic medical conditions, genetic carrier screening, and lifestyle factors.
- Contraceptive Counseling & Full Range Management: Comprehensive discussion and provision of various birth control methods, including oral contraceptives, patches, rings, injectables, IUD insertion/removal (hormonal and copper), and contraceptive implant insertion/removal.
- Management of Common Pregnancy Complications: Diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum), gestational diabetes (in conjunction with specialists if needed), hypertensive disorders, and preterm labor risk assessment and prevention strategies.
- Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
- Diagnostic & Operative Hysteroscopy: Procedure using a thin, lighted scope to examine the inside of the uterus and perform minor surgical treatments such as polyp removal, fibroid resection, or septum correction.
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Lebel provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical options tailored to individual patient needs within women's health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Specific services offered can be confirmed by contacting the clinic.
All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). A referral may be required for insured services.
Dr. Lebel practices at the Clinique Os'céans, located in the vibrant neighborhoods near central Baie-Comeau. The clinic is conveniently situated close to several local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and parking is available on-site for added convenience. Patients can enjoy a welcoming environment designed to support their comfort and privacy during consultations and treatments.
- Are services from Dr. Lebel, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Lebel are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective procedures, certain fertility treatments, or non-medically indicated services may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or the clinic.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Lebel, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Lebel for most consultations and treatments. This ensures coordinated care. Some specific services or clinics (e.g., some sexual health or contraception clinics) might have different access pathways, but for ongoing obstetrical or gynecological care, a referral is standard. Please check with Dr. Lebel's office or your referring doctor.
- What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. Lebel do?
- An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Lebel, is a medical doctor specializing in women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They provide care throughout a woman's life, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum support, diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions (e.g., infections, fibroids, endometriosis, menstrual disorders), family planning, contraceptive management, preventative screenings like Pap tests, and management of menopausal symptoms.
- Does Dr. Lebel manage high-risk pregnancies?
- Many OBGYNs manage a range of pregnancies, including some with moderate risk factors. Dr. Lebel has extensive experience in managing pregnancies with conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, multiple gestations, and pre-existing maternal health issues. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, she will provide comprehensive care and may collaborate with or refer you to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist for specialized management. Discuss your specific situation with Dr. Lebel to determine the best plan for your pregnancy.
- At which hospital(s) does Dr. Lebel deliver babies or perform surgeries?
- Dr. Lebel is affiliated with local hospitals in Baie-Comeau. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where she performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting her office directly. This information helps in planning your care and delivery arrangements.
- What are my options for pain management during labor discussed by Dr. Lebel?
- Dr. Lebel will discuss various pain relief options available during labor, ranging from non-medical methods such as breathing techniques, movement, massage, and hydrotherapy, to medical options like nitrous oxide, narcotics, and epidural anesthesia. The choice depends on your preferences, medical condition, and labor progression. It's recommended to review your pain management plan during prenatal visits.
- I have uterine fibroids. What treatment options might Dr. Lebel suggest?
- Treatment depends on the size, location, number, and symptoms of your fibroids, as well as your reproductive goals. Options include observation for asymptomatic fibroids, medications (hormonal therapies), minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization, or surgical options like myomectomy or hysterectomy. Dr. Lebel will help tailor a treatment plan suited to your needs.
Clinique Os'céans
34 pl La Salle
Baie-Comeau, QC G4Z 1K3
Phone: (418) 296-8881 | Fax: (418) 296-8870
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lebel is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from your family physician or another qualified healthcare provider is typically required for provincially insured consultations and treatments.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=98414