What are the differences between obstetrics and gynecology?

Obstetrics and gynecology are two related medical specialties that deal with the health of women. Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, while gynecology focuses on the female reproductive system and general women's health.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between obstetrics and gynecology:

| Feature | Obstetrics | Gynecology |

|---|---|---|

| Focus | Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period | Female reproductive system and general women's health |

| Conditions treated | Pregnancy-related conditions, such as: | Gynecologic conditions, such as: |

| | - Gestational diabetes | - Menstrual disorders |

| | - Preeclampsia | - Uterine fibroids |

| | - Ectopic pregnancy | - Pelvic pain |

| | - Miscarriage | - Infertility |

| | - Childbirth | - Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) |

| | - Postpartum depression | - Cancer of the female reproductive system |

| Procedures performed | Delivery of babies, cesarean sections, episiotomies, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, and other prenatal tests | Pap tests, pelvic exams, breast exams, colposcopy, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and other diagnostic and surgical procedures |

| Providers | Obstetricians | Gynecologists |

Obstetricians are doctors who specialize in the care of pregnant women and the delivery of babies. They have completed medical school and residency training in obstetrics and gynecology. Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in the health of the female reproductive system. They have also completed medical school and residency training in obstetrics and gynecology, but they may have additional training in areas such as minimally invasive surgery or reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

In some cases, obstetricians and gynecologists may work together to provide comprehensive care for women throughout their lives. For example, an obstetrician may care for a woman during her pregnancy and childbirth, while a gynecologist may provide her with ongoing preventive care and treatment for gynecologic conditions.

If you are a woman, it is important to see a qualified obstetrician or gynecologist for regular checkups and preventive care. These regular visits can help you stay healthy and prevent serious health problems.