Obstetrician

Obstetrician

An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and a woman's reproductive system. Although other doctors can deliver babies, many women see an obstetrician, also called an OB/GYN, because of their expertise in this field of medicine.

Education and Training

Becoming an obstetrician requires many years of education and training. After earning a bachelor's degree, prospective obstetricians must complete four years of medical school and then a residency program, which typically lasts four years. Some obstetricians also choose to complete a fellowship, which provides additional training in a specific area of obstetrics.

Role and Responsibilities

Obstetricians provide a variety of services to pregnant women, including regular health check-ups, prenatal testing, and delivery. They also provide postnatal care to ensure the health of the mother and baby after birth. In addition to these services, obstetricians often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, midwives, and pediatricians.

Obstetric Complications

Obstetricians are trained to handle a variety of complications that can occur during pregnancy and childbirth. These can include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm labor. If a woman has a high-risk pregnancy, she may be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, who is an obstetrician with additional training in high-risk pregnancies.

See Also

• Gynecologist
• Midwife
• Pediatrician
• Maternal-fetal medicine

References

Obstetrician Resources
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