obstetrics
/əbˈstɛtrɪks/ · ob·stet·rics
noun
- The branch of medicine that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. She decided to specialize in obstetrics after completing her residency.
- The practice or science of assisting women in labor and delivery, traditionally performed by midwives. In many rural communities, obstetrics is still largely provided by skilled midwives.
Synonyms
Did you know? The first English textbook on obstetrics, "The Art of Midwifery," was published in 1665, marking the formalization of the field as a scientific discipline.