So many people, procedures and things to sort before baby arrives! But don’t worry, we’re here to help ease some of the confusion on the role of an Obstetrician

Are you getting your birthing team together to welcome your beautiful baby?
Want to know who’s who and what do they do?
You’ll find out how an obstetrician helps in your birthing process and how they fit into the scheme of things!
Obstetrician Meaning
To start from scratch let’s answer, what does an obstetrician do – and go from there. They are doctors dedicated that provide compassionate and tailored care to women during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. They have the necessary skillset to effectively manage high-risk pregnancies or births as well as performing interventions like cesareans.
These skills are acquired after dedicating 12 years of their lives studying medicine and procedures in the practice. Allowing them to work in obstetrics meaning they specifically practice in childbirth.
Furthermore to define obstetrician roles and responsibilities, they provide exams such as diagnostics tests for cervical cancers, pelvic & breast examinations. This as well as treating any disorders or diseases related to female reproductive organs. From cervical insufficiency, congenital abnormalities & diabetes all the way through heart disease and hypertension . Finally their expertise also extends into postpartum checkups ensuring mum’s health is taken seriously. So when contemplating asking an obstetrician what do they do, there is a wonderful array of medical and surgical procedures that encompass the obstetrician definition.
(How to pronounce obstetrician: Obstetrician pronunciation sounds like ob – stuh – tri – shn)
What is the difference between obstetrics and gynecology?
An obstetrician plays an incredibly important role in the lives of expecting mothers and their babies. Obstetrics meaning embodies medical aspects that revolve around caring for women before, during, and after pregnancy. Monitoring maternal health as well as acting to ensure both mother’s & baby’s wellbeing throughout gestation. Part of antenatal care involves performing tests to track fetal growth progress along with regular physical screenings – ultimately aimed at providing necessary advice on how best to look after yourself and your newborn.
Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible experience, and you want to make sure that both mother and baby stay safe throughout it all. That’s why having an obstetrician play such a critical role in advising proper care during childbirth is invaluable! And after your birth, their postnatal check-up offers peace of mind as they help guide you on this amazing journey with your baby.
Gynaecologist
In a similar field, Gynaecologists are dedicated medical professionals who provide comprehensive care for women’s reproductive health. From the onset of puberty through to menopause, they offer guidance for a variety of issues such as routine check-ups, Pap tests, sexually transmitted diseases screenings and treatments if necessary. They strive to ensure that all aspects of female wellbeing – including their organs, genitals and breasts – remain healthy throughout life!
They may also perform or advise on particular surgical procedures such as hysterectomies or the removal of precancerous cells within a woman’s reproductive system. Aside from medical conditions, gynaecologists also concern themselves with a woman’s fertility and can advise on fertility treatments, advice on conception and the proper use of contraception.
OBGYN
Obstetrics and gynaecology (OB/GYN) can be one specialty in healthcare that combines two separately identified fields. An obstetrician (OB) deals with pre-conception care, pregnancy monitoring; labor management & postpartum recovery – basically all matters related to childbirth! A gynaecologist (GYN) looks after female health issues like infections or hormone fluctuations throughout her life span. It’s common for a doctor to be both an obstetrician and gynecologist so that they can provide full service regarding women’s reproductive health!
Should you hire a private obstetrician?
There are many beauties to choosing your own private obstetrician doctor. Going ahead with this decision can be a great comfort when it comes to pregnancy. Not only will you feel more secure and at ease with the same doctor during each visit, but they’ll also get to know both you and your baby’s progress as they are present for birth – plus follow-up care afterward! And if that isn’t enough, choosing an obstetrician allows pregnant mothers access to dedicated people who understand their needs perfectly – meaning no questions go unanswered or leave them feeling unsure of what happens next in this new season of life.
Throughout this moment in life, you may require exceptional care and attention as well as peace of mind when decisions need to be made. Hiring private facilities and an obstetrician will ensure a more a luxurious stay with your own personal room and thoughtfully prepared meals; plus amenities for your partner!
However in saying all this, obstetricians and excellent care are provided in public facilities also. Which is a route a majority of women prefer for many reasons. With the public facilities this is a way finances can be directed more towards other aspects of the childbirth and maternity process. Plus some expecting mothers would like to emphasise other aspects of their journey over the birthing facilities and companions. Therefore making the public facilities perfect for their needs.
Whichever option you choose, private or public – there is one that suits every birth!
Obstetrician Quotes
Obstetrician VS Midwife
A common question many new mums ask is, is an obstetrician the same as a midwife? Long story short, no. Yet we’re here to elaborate!
Midwives can provide you with amazing care during your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. They offer services with a blend of modern medical knowledge and traditional methods, that caters completely to the wishes of the woman and her family. Whether this means delivering in homes, communities, clinics both private or public hospitals to assist with guidance on nutrition advice as well as birthing techniques throughout the journey. Providing a safe delivery of baby; in normal uncomplicated pregnancies allowing an individualised approach tailored specifically to each mum’s needs. Some midwives even go so far as setting up private practices – an extra step towards providing customised attention! All the meanwhile maintaining regular contact with an obstetrician team should any complications arise .
(Waterbirth: One of the customised beauties of private practice midwifery!)
Obstetricians doctors who provide medical care throughout the pregnancy journey. They offer support from pre-pregnancy to postpartum, ensuring optimal health for both mother and child. This includes being skilled at performing unplanned C-sections when needed. Plus they can be on hand when complications arise that require urgent attention! When you go into labour your obstetrician will come to the delivery room with their expertise, so that any surprises along the way can be resolved quickly by a trained professional. This leaves mum and baby peace of mind knowing all is taken care of!
What is Obstetrics Nursing?
Obstetrics and OB/GYN Nurses are major players in ensuring that one of life’s most amazing moments – the arrival of a new baby! — is as safe, comfortable, and enriching as possible. From prenatal care to childbirth to postpartum recovery- these dedicated professionals offer expert support for expecting mothers every step along the way.
(Want to know more about your different birthing companions? Here’s how a Doula helps)
When should you see an obstetricians?
It’s important to maintain your best health throughout this process. So you should aim to make an appointment as soon as possible with Your healthcare provider. This can be your midwife, doctor or clinic/hospital – most often this will start with seeing GP. And is usually around 6-8 weeks. As the pregnancy progresses they may need to see you more regularly: starting at monthly until 28 week mark, then every two weeks til 36 and finishing off at weekly appointments right up until birth day arrives!

What happens when you get an obstetric ultrasound?
During your appointments leading up to the birth there are different procedures that take place. One that a lot of expectant mothers have questions around is the obstetric ultrasound. The obstetrical ultrasounds are a special way to peek into the womb and see what’s going on! With Doppler ultrasound, doctors can evaluate movement inside the body. It all usually starts with a dating ultrasound scan around 7-12 weeks – so exciting for expectant parents!
Looking for the best way to prepare for your upcoming obstetric ultrasound? Be sure to empty your bladder about an hour and a half before exam time, then drink 8 ounces of fluids—like water or juice. We suggest wearing two-pieces so you won’t have to remove clothing during the process! Eating beforehand is totally okay too. Rest assured that one of the qualified radiologists will review and interpret results without delay, sending both written report and images directly over within 24 hours.
This post was all about Obstetricians and how they fit into your birthing journey!