Obstetrics and gynaecology (often abbreviated as OB/GYN) is the combined medical specialty focused on women’s health. It merges obstetrics (pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care) with gynaecology (the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive system).

Breaking Down the Two Fields

• Obstetrics: Focuses entirely on the care of the mother and fetus before, during, and immediately after childbirth. Obstetricians manage prenatal checkups, delivery, and postnatal recovery.
• Gynaecology: Focuses on the overall reproductive health of women and girls, regardless of pregnancy status. This includes managing menstruation, menopause, contraception, fertility, and diagnosing diseases of the uterus, ovaries, and breasts.

What an OB/GYN Does

An OB/GYN is a physician trained in both areas, allowing them to provide comprehensive, lifelong healthcare for women. Their daily responsibilities and areas of care include:

• Pregnancy & Delivery: Managing prenatal care, high-risk pregnancies, labor, and delivery (including cesarean sections).
• Preventive Care: Conducting annual wellness exams, Pap smears, HPV screenings, and breast exams.
• Reproductive Health: Treating issues like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pelvic pain.
• Surgery & Procedures: Performing surgical interventions such as hysterectomies, tubal ligations, and minimally invasive pelvic surgeries.

To learn more about the scope of this medical field, visit the Wikipedia Obstetrics and Gynaecology Page or review the National Cancer Institute Definition for medical terminology.