Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (also spelled as Obstetrics and Gynecology; abbreviated as Obs and Gynae, O&G, OB-GYN and OB/GYN) is the medical specialty that encompasses the two subspecialties of obstetrics (covering pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period) and gynecology (covering the health of the female reproductive system – vagina, uterus, ovaries, and breasts).
Obstetrics
Obstetrics looks after everything concerned with pregnancy, such as childbirth care and postpartum issues. Obstetricians are doctors who specialize in the care of pregnant women and their babies. They monitor the health of both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy, perform prenatal tests and screenings, deliver the baby safely, and provide postnatal care and support.
Some of the services that obstetricians provide are:
- Prenatal care and counseling
- Ultrasound and fetal monitoring
- Management of high-risk pregnancies
- Delivery by natural or assisted methods
- Cesarean section
- Postpartum care and contraception
- Treatment of pregnancy complications
Gynaecology
Gynaecology covers the health of the female reproductive system – vagina, uterus, ovaries, and breasts. Gynaecologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders affecting these organs. They also provide preventive care and education for women's health issues.
Some of the services that gynaecologists provide are:
- Pelvic exams and Pap smears
- Breast exams and mammograms
- Screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
- Family planning and contraception
- Menopause management and hormone therapy
- Management of menstrual problems
- Treatment of pelvic pain and endometriosis
- Treatment of uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts
- Surgery for gynaecological conditions