Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetrics and gynecology is a medical specialty centered around the care of women.

Obstetrics focuses on childbirth, providing prenatal care and pregnancy support along with postpartum care.

Gynecology is focused on general female healthcare, including the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the female reproductive system. For example, gynecology includes treatment of pelvic floor relaxation disorders, including urinary incontinence.

A specialist in obstetrics is called an obstetrician, while a specialist in gynecology is a gynecologist. Since training in these two specialties often happens concurrently, it is not unusual for a physician to be both an obstetrician and a gynecologist. Such a physician is often referred to as an OB/GYN doctor.