What is the difference between obstetrics and gynecology?

Obstetrics and gynecology are two branches of medicine that focus on women’s health. Obstetricians, who specialize in giving birth, are also called attending physicians or physician-obstetricians. Their main responsibility is to watch over the health and development of mothers, as well as their babies throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Gynecologists primarily treat female reproductive organs by performing exams on those organs. An obstetrician cares for pregnant women and delivers their babies. A gynecologist has added training in the care of young women through menopause, including screening for cervical cancer, breast cancer and other problems. Both are physicians with specialized training in family planning and management of female illnesses.

Another way to put it, obstetrics and gynecology are medical specialties dealing with women’s health and pregnancy. The difference is that obstetricians specialize in pregnancy and childbirth, whereas gynecologists deal with women’s reproductive health and general illnesses throughout their lives. Major differences between the specialties of Obstetrics and Gynecology can sometimes be confusing, or misunderstood by both patients and health care professionals. In general, obstetricians/gynecologists may choose from either field after completing residency training. The choice of gynecology as a career is based on interest in the treatment of female diseases and disorders, and not necessarily on experience with childbirth.