What is Obstetrics?
Obstetrics 👶🩺 is a branch of medicine that focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care (care after birth). A doctor who specializes in this field is called an Obstetrician.
What Does an Obstetrician Do?
An obstetrician takes care of:
- Pregnancy (Antenatal care) 🤰
- Monitors the health of the mother and baby
- Performs ultrasounds 🖥️ and blood tests
- Manages any pregnancy-related conditions (like high blood pressure, diabetes)
- Labor and Delivery 🏥👶
- Helps deliver babies safely
- Performs vaginal deliveries or C-sections (Cesarean delivery)
- Handles emergencies like breech birth, heavy bleeding, or fetal distress
- Postpartum Care 🤱
- Supports recovery after birth
- Checks for complications (like infections or depression)
- Advises on breastfeeding, contraception, and mental health
Common Conditions Treated in Obstetrics:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Preterm labor
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy)
- Gestational diabetes
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets 👶👶)
Obstetrics vs. Gynecology:
- Obstetrics = pregnancy and childbirth
- Gynecology = women’s reproductive health (non-pregnancy related)
Often, a doctor is trained in both and called an OB-GYN.