obstetrician

An obstetrician is a physician who specializes in obstetrics, the branch of medicine focused on pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Obstetricians care for women throughout pregnancy, oversee labor and delivery, and provide postpartum follow-up. In many health systems, obstetricians are also trained gynecologists, and practitioners may be referred to as obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs).

Education and training typically begin with medical school, followed by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, which usually lasts four years. Many obstetricians also pursue subspecialty training, such as maternal-fetal medicine for high-risk pregnancies, or reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Certification is commonly offered by national or regional boards, with maintenance of certification requirements to ensure ongoing competency.

Scope of practice includes prenatal care, fetal assessment, ultrasound imaging, and management of labor and delivery. Obstetricians perform deliveries, including cesarean sections and, when appropriate, assisted vaginal births. They manage pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, and obstetric hemorrhage, and provide postpartum care and family-planning counseling. They often work in collaboration with nurses, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and other specialists, and may consult maternal-fetal medicine experts for complex cases.

Work environments vary but commonly include hospitals and dedicated clinics, with on-call responsibilities for emergencies. The role emphasizes patient safety, informed consent, and evidence-based decision-making in both routine and high-risk obstetric care. Subspecialists and interdisciplinary teams help address the diverse needs of pregnant patients.