WordValeobstetrics
the branch of medicine covering pregnancy and childbirth
In more detail
1. (noun) the branch of medicine that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and the care of women after delivery
2. (noun) the medical care and treatment provided during pregnancy and childbirth
Examples
- 1. She decided to specialize in obstetrics after working in the hospital maternity ward.
- 2. Modern obstetrics has made childbirth much safer for mothers and babies.
How to use obstetrics
Obstetrics is a formal medical term used in clinical and academic contexts to refer to the medical specialty concerned with pregnancy and childbirth. It is typically paired with gynecology (obstetrics and gynecology, or OB/GYN) since both specialties are often practiced together, though obstetrics specifically focuses on the perinatal period while gynecology covers broader women's health. The term is neutral and technical in register.
Common phrases
- obstetrics and gynecology
- obstetric care
- obstetric department
- obstetric complications
- obstetric surgeon
Synonyms
maternal medicine · obstetric care · perinatal medicine · midwifery
Word family
obstetrician (noun) · obstetric (adjective) · obstetrical (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse obstetrics with gynecology; obstetrics deals specifically with pregnancy and childbirth, while gynecology covers the broader spectrum of women's reproductive health including contraception and menopause.
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