ostetricia

Ostetricia, also known in English as obstetrics, is the medical specialty that focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It covers the health of the pregnant person and the fetus, including prenatal assessment, risk identification, delivery planning, and the management of complications that may arise during pregnancy and birth.

Prenatal care aims to monitor fetal development, screen for maternal and fetal conditions, and prepare for a safe birth. This typically includes regular clinical visits, laboratory tests, ultrasound imaging, vaccinations, nutrition guidance, and risk assessment. High-risk pregnancies may require multidisciplinary monitoring and interventions to optimize outcomes for both mother and baby.

Labor and delivery management involves planning the mode of birth, monitoring fetal well-being and maternal status, and providing pain relief and supportive care. Delivery can occur vaginally or by cesarean section, with decisions guided by medical, obstetric, and patient factors. The postpartum period focuses on maternal recovery, prevention of complications, newborn transition, lactation support, and family planning.

Training and practice vary by country but generally involve medical specialization. Obstetricians are physicians who complete residency in obstetrics and gynecology; many settings also rely on midwives and nurses to provide obstetric care, especially for uncomplicated pregnancies. Subspecialties include maternal-fetal medicine, perinatal care, and high-risk obstetrics. Essential tools and techniques include ultrasound, fetal monitoring, induction and augmentation of labor, and, when necessary, surgical delivery. Globally, access to quality obstetric care influences maternal and perinatal outcomes and remains a central focus of public health.