obstetrices

Obstetrices is the plural of obstetrix, a Latin term historically used to denote someone who assists during childbirth, particularly a female midwife or obstetric practitioner. In ancient and medieval times, obstetrices referred to midwives who provided care during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period, offered guidance on infant care and family planning, and sometimes assisted with complications. In classical sources such as Soranus of Ephesus, obstetric practices are described and the role of the practitioner is outlined.

During the medieval period in Europe, obstetrices commonly practiced within communities, sometimes in collaboration with physicians; training often occurred through apprenticeships and guilds rather than formal medical schools. With the rise of modern medicine, the term obstetrices fell out of common use in favor of obstetrician and obstetrics. From the 18th through the 20th century, obstetric education expanded, hospitals became centers of birth, aseptic techniques were adopted, and safer childbirth procedures such as cesarean sections were developed and refined.

Today, obstetrics is a medical specialty focused on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Practitioners include obstetricians, midwives, and sometimes family physicians or nurse-midwives, all working to monitor fetal development, manage labor, provide anesthesia options, and address complications. In contemporary usage, obstetrices is mainly encountered in historical writings or as a reference to female practitioners of obstetrics in the past.