Obstetrics is a branch of medicine that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It includes the medical and surgical care of pregnant women, their unborn children, and the management of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth.
The word obstetrics comes from the Latin obstetrix, meaning “midwife”. The first recorded use of the term was in 1615. In early times, midwives were the only people who had any knowledge or training in caring for pregnant women and their babies.
With advances in medical science, obstetricians began to take on more responsibility for the care of pregnant women and their babies. Today, obstetricians are trained as specialists in all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. They provide comprehensive care for women before, during, and after pregnancy.
Obstetricians work closely with other members of the healthcare team to provide comprehensive care for their patients. This team may include family physicians, pediatricians, nurses, midwives, nutritionists, social workers, and therapists.
Obstetricians play a vital role in ensuring that every pregnancy is as safe as possible. They provide expert care to mothers-to-be and deliver babies safely into the world every day.