obstetriás

Obstetriás is a term used in some linguistic contexts to denote practitioners of obstetrics, the medical specialty focused on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In many languages, the equivalent term is obstetrician or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Practitioners provide prenatal care, monitor fetal development, identify maternal or fetal risk factors, plan delivery, assist during labor, and manage postpartum recovery. They may perform or supervise procedures such as cesarean sections, assisted vaginal delivery, amniocentesis, fetal surveillance, and ultrasound examinations. In high-risk pregnancies, they collaborate with specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, and anesthesiology.

Training typically requires completing medical school, residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and board certification. Continuous education is common due to evolving guidelines and technologies.

They work in hospitals, maternity clinics, and sometimes in community health centers; they may work in private practice or academic medical centers.

Historically, obstetrics advanced with antisepsis, anesthesia, and newborn care. Current trends include increased cesarean rates in some regions, noninvasive prenatal testing, ultrasound advances, and patient-centered care emphasizing informed decision-making and access to prenatal screening.

See also obstetrics, obstetrician, maternal-fetal medicine.