What’s the Difference Between Obstetrics and Gynecology?
What is Obstetrics?
Obstetrics focuses on providing care for women before, during, and after giving birth. It includes both the care necessary for overall wellness and any interventions required to safeguard health for the mother and fetus during pregnancy. It also covers care in the postpartum period. When giving birth, a mother will often be assisted and overseen by an obstetrician.
What is Gynecology?
Gynecology focuses on women’s overall health. It includes detailed knowledge of the female reproductive system and of women’s needs at every stage of their lives. These doctors can evaluate concerns and prescribe treatments to maintain the health of the vagina, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, as well as women’s breasts. It is the overarching branch of women’s healthcare.
How Are Obstetrics and Gynecology Similar?
Obstetrics and gynecology are similar in that they both focus on the health needs of women. Doctors who are training to become obstetricians or gynecologists generally train and work together very closely. This helps ensure they can easily recommend care from a specialist in the other discipline. They both have extensive knowledge of female body systems and health issues
Why Would Someone Go to Each?
The rule of thumb is that women who are not pregnant should see a gynecologist for their health needs. Women begin seeing a gynecologist regularly during the teen years and continue throughout the rest of their life. When a woman becomes pregnant, it’s appropriate to visit an obstetrician. Sometimes, it may be helpful to seek obstetric advice while seeking to become pregnant.
What Does Each Profession Treat?
A gynecologist helps women with issues pertaining specifically to the breasts and reproductive system. Pain, burning, discharge, and other issues affecting the vagina, uterus, and ovaries – should be checked by a gynecologist first. A gynecologist may also advise on a wide range of other general health issues.
An obstetrician has a lot of the same knowledge that a gynecologist has. However, they mainly focus on issues that arise before, during, and after giving birth. Women should seek out the expertise of an obstetrician as soon as they know they are pregnant, then continue care throughout pregnancy.
The right medical care is essential to any woman’s well-being. Huey & Weprin strives to provide it in a caring, compassionate environment. For OB/GYN care you can truly rely on, make an appointment today.
