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DEFINITIONS

A.I. and Staff Reporters

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OB-GYN

An obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, has expertise in female reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Some OB-GYNs offer a wide range of general health services similar to a primary care doctor. Others focus on the medical care of the female reproductive system. OB-GYNs also provide routine medical services and preventive screenings. This type of doctor has studied obstetrics and gynecology. The term “OB-GYN” can refer to the doctor, an obstetrician-gynecologist, or to the sciences that the doctor specializes in, which are obstetrics and gynecology.

Obstetrician

Obstetrics is the branch of medicine related to medical and surgical care before, during, and after a woman gives birth. Obstetrics focuses on caring for and maintaining a woman’s overall health during maternity. This includes:

• pregnancy
• labor
• childbirth
• the postpartum period

OB-GYNs can conduct office visits, perform surgery, and assist with labor and delivery. Some OB-GYNs provide services through a solo or private practice. Others do so as part of a larger medical group or hospital.

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Gynecologist

Gynecology is the branch of medicine that focuses on women’s bodies and their reproductive health. It includes the diagnosis, treatment, and care of women’s reproductive system. This includes the:

• vagina
• uterus
• ovaries
• fallopian tubes

This branch of medicine also includes screening for and treating issues associated with women’s breasts. Gynecology is the overarching field of women’s health from puberty through adulthood. It represents most of the reproductive care received during a lifetime. If pregnant, one goes to an obstetrician.

Mid-Wife

Midwives are registered nurses who specialize in midwifery. As such, they’re trained healthcare providers who can oversee low-risk pregnancies, labor, and birth. They can provide other obstetric and gynecological services too. They can do exams and help with basic gynecological concerns like sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, or yeast infections. They help support during labor and in the postpartum period with breastfeeding and birth control.

Doula

Doulas aren’t clinical professionals and can’t give medical advice. They can’t prescribe medicines, and they can’t deliver a baby. But they can offer physical and emotional support during labor—and sometimes during and after pregnancy. Doulas can help with breathing techniques, positional changes, and relaxation strategies during labor. Studies show doulas are associated with fewer C-sections and more vaginal births.

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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Career Development, CMP Program, Ethics, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Healthcare Finance | Tagged: births, child birth, CMP, DO, doula, Gynecologist, gyno, health, MD, mid-wife, motherhood, ob-gyn, Obstetrician, physician, pregnancy, RN |