Word parts
obstetr midwife-ics field of study
What it means
The medical specialty and nursing area that covers prenatal care, labor and birth, and postpartum care. It is often paired with gynecology, the care of the female reproductive organs outside pregnancy (OB/GYN). An obstetrician is a physician in this field; certified nurse-midwives also give obstetric care.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | OB; OB/GYN |
|---|---|
| Spanish | obstetricia |
| Also written | obstetric, obstetrical, OB |
Related terms
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
prenatal
Before birth; during pregnancy.
gestation
The time a baby develops in the uterus, from conception to birth; pregnancy.
cesarean birth
Birth of a baby through surgical cuts in the belly and the uterus.