What is Obstetrics? Understand the Meaning, How it Differs from Gynecology and the Best Hospitals for Obstetrics
Whether you’re looking for an OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist), planning to become pregnant, or just want to understand the principles of obstetrics and gynecology, and how it differs when it comes to women’s reproductive health, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive right in, shall we?
What is Obstetrics?
Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on all aspects of pregnancy, from prenatal care and pregnancy support to childbirth and postpartum care. The focus of an obstetrician is to ensure the well-being of the pregnant woman and her baby through all phases of pregnancy, as well as the postpartum period which occurs in the months following childbirth.
Since obstetrics and gynecology overlap in many areas, it is common to see doctors refer to themselves as OB-GYNs, an abbreviation for ‘Obstetrician and Gynecologist’.
Difference between Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and gynecology each focus on a specific aspect of the female reproductive system. Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on all aspects of pregnancy, from prenatal care and pregnancy support to childbirth and postpartum care. Gynecology on the other hand, is specific to women’s reproductive and sexual health and organs, but not specifically for women who are pregnant. With that said, most gynecologists are also Obstetricians, hence the ‘OB-GYN’ title used commonly.
Obstetrics
As obstetricians manage the health and well-being of a woman and her baby during and post childbirth, these doctors are trained to manage a wide variety of conditions and complications that may arise during pregnancy and during childbirth. Below are conditions and complications that obstetricians are trained to prevent, diagnose, manage and/or treat:
Common Pregnancy Conditions Treated
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Placenta previa
- High blood pressure
- Chronic vomiting
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Postpartum depression
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Preterm labor
- Multiple pregnancies
Common Childbirth Procedures
- Vaginal delivery
- Cesarean sections
- Episiotomy
- Amniotomy
- Induced labor
Gynecology
Gynecologists manage routine care of women’s reproductive and sexual health from the onset of puberty through to menopause and beyond. It’s within the field of gynecology that women receive their annual Pap test and pelvic exam. Gynecologists diagnose and treat issues related to the female reproductive tract, which includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and breasts. There are a multitude of diseases and conditions that gynecologists treat.
Common Female Health Conditions:
- Pelvic pain
- Endometriosis
- Infertility
- Breast exams
- Ovarian cysts
- Painful menstruation
- Irregular menstruation
- Yeast and bacterial infections
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Contraception / Birth control
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Urinary issues (i.e. urinary tract infections; incontinence)
Best Hospitals for Obstetrics in the US
Selecting your OB-GYN is an important decision. It’s important that you trust and feel comfortable with your doctor. And, while childbirth is a natural process and your doctor is an important part of your pregnancy journey, the hospital you deliver at is equally important. Ensure that you’re minimizing the risks associated with childbirth and neonatal care by choosing a hospital that has earned the Women’s Choice Award, Best Hospitals for Obstetrics designation. This indicates that they meet high industry standards, were assessed for their patient safety rating, and have above average patient recommendation ratings. (The full methodology can be found here.)
Below are featured hospitals that have earned the Women’s Choice Award as Best Hospital for Obstetrics, while also taking steps to support the empowerment of women.
To view the full list of hospitals across the US, that have made the Women’s Choice Award, Best Hospitals for Obstetrics list, and to search by city, please visit https://www.womenschoiceaward.com/best-hospitals-for-obstetrics/
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel, FL
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center
Storm Lake, IA
Cary Medical Center
Caribou, ME
Catawba Valley Medical Center
Hickory, NC
Covenant Hospital Levelland
Levelland, TX
CRMC Crosby
Crosby, MN
Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services
Gibson City, IL
Guadalupe Regional Medical Center
Seguin, TX
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA
Lone Peak Hospital
Draper, UT
Lovelace Women’s Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
Oak Bluffs, MA
Memorial Hospital Miramar
Miramar, FL
Morristown Medical Center
Morristown, NJ
Overlook Medical Center
Summit, NJ
Saint Luke’s Hospital
Chesterfield, MO
Saint Tammany Health System
Covington, LA
St. John’s Health
Jackson, WY
Tahoe Forest Hospital
Truckee, CA
Williamson Medical Center
Franklin, TN