A branch of
medicine that specializes in the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth
and in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive
organs. It also specializes in other women’s health issues, such as menopause,
hormone problems, contraception (birth control), and infertility. Also called
ob/gyn.
Many people think OB/GYN and gynecology are the same thing. This is
not true! An OB/GYN encompasses two specialties – obstetrics and gynecology
– while gynecologists specialize in gynecology only.
As soon as you find out that you are pregnant it is important that you
schedule an appointment with an OBGYN. In most cases, your first prenatal
appointment will happen at around 8 weeks.
People trained as
OB-GYNs specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology:
- obstetrics involves working
with pregnant women, including delivering babies
- gynecology involves the female
reproductive system, treating a wide range of conditions, including sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) and chronic pain