What is the Difference Between Gynecology and Obstetrics?

What do Obstetricians and Gynecologists do? What is the difference between gynecology and obstetrics? What exactly is involved in an Ob/gyn’s surgery? What are the treatments involved in having a baby? What are the benefits of having an Ob/gyn?

An Obstetrician/Gynecologist

An Obstetrician/Gynecologist, as defined by Wikipedia, is a doctor who provides healthcare services to women who are pregnant. The word “obstetric” derives from the Greek word meaning “of the female.” They perform a variety of tests and exams required to determine the health of a woman before pregnancy. A prenatal visit is the first step in an obstetrician-gynecologist’s schedule. This will include a full physical examination and a blood test that is done to assess hormone levels and determine whether or not you are at risk for certain health problems that may be present if you become pregnant. After a complete physical exam, they will also discuss the baby’s development and inform the mother of her options.

During the pregnancy, the obstetrician-gynecologist will perform various tests to monitor the baby’s heart rate, lung development, reflexes, brain activity, and other vital signs. These tests will help them to determine how far along in the pregnancy you are. If they find any irregularities, they will inform you of these findings and present options. Depending on the findings, you will either have a Cesarean delivery or elective procedures to help you deliver your child.

What is the difference between gynecology and obstetrics?

For those who have never been pregnant, a simple understanding of the two terms would be that gynecology deals with the appearance of a human body, while obstetrics deals with the function. Both fields work towards the same end, which is the prevention of infection and ensuring that pregnancy and childbirth go smoothly.

The differences between these two medical practices … Read More