Obstetrics is the medical specialty concerned with
the care of women during pregnancy (generally after
the first
28 weeks), childbirth, and during the 4-8 weeks
after the birth (during which time the reproductive
organs are recovering from pregnancy and returning
to their usual states).
For a clearer understanding of the limitations
of usual definition of obstetrics, compare
this term with the related disciplines of embryology,
gynaecology,
and paediatrics.
More about Obstetrics:
A medical specialist in the field of obstetrics
is called a obstetrician. The adjective used to
refer to obstetrics is "obstetrical".
Note the difference between medical doctors, nurses,
and midwives: A medical doctor who has specialised
in obstetrics is an obstetrician. A nurse
who has specialised in the care of pregnant women,
including management of normal deliveries is a midwife.
In the cases of most normal pregnancies, a midwife
is the main provider of care. However, in more complicated
cases, a range of specialist skills may be required
and so professionals specialising in other areas
of medical care may also be involved.
