Obstetrics
Definitions and Meaning in English
- The branch of medicine and surgery concerned with childbirth and the care of women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.
- A medical specialty focusing on maternal and fetal health before, during, and after delivery.
- The field that addresses complications, treatments, and preventive care related to pregnancy and childbirth.
History and Origin
The term “obstetrics” originates from the Latin word obstetrix, meaning “midwife” or “one who stands opposite.” The field has roots in ancient civilizations, where midwives played a central role in childbirth. Modern obstetrics developed during the 18th and 19th centuries with advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and antiseptic practices, making childbirth safer for both mother and child.
Detailed Explanation
Obstetrics is a critical branch of medicine that ensures the health and well-being of mothers and their babies throughout the pregnancy cycle. It encompasses prenatal care, management of labor and delivery, and postnatal care. Obstetricians are trained to handle normal pregnancies as well as complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and multiple births. They collaborate with other specialists when necessary, ensuring comprehensive care for both the mother and the baby.
Example Sentences
- She visited her obstetrician regularly for prenatal checkups during her pregnancy.
- Obstetrics focuses on both the health of the mother and the unborn child.
- Advances in obstetrics have significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality rates.
- The hospital has a well-equipped obstetrics department for high-risk pregnancies.
- Obstetrics and gynecology are often combined as a single medical specialty.
- Her interest in maternal health led her to pursue a career in obstetrics.
- The doctor specializes in obstetrics, particularly in managing complicated deliveries.
- Prenatal vitamins are often recommended by professionals in obstetrics.
- Obstetrics plays a vital role in ensuring the safe delivery of twins and triplets.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Midwifery – The practice of assisting women during childbirth.
- Maternal Care – Medical attention provided to pregnant women.
- Perinatal Medicine – A subspecialty of obstetrics focusing on the period around childbirth.
- Gynecology – A related field, though it focuses on general women’s reproductive health rather than pregnancy.
- Neonatology – The branch of medicine dealing with newborns, closely linked to obstetrics.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Pregnancy – The condition that obstetrics primarily addresses.
- Childbirth – The act of delivering a baby, central to obstetrics.
- Antenatal – Referring to care before birth, an aspect of obstetrics.
- Labor – The process of childbirth, managed by obstetrics.
- Postpartum – The period after childbirth, an important focus of obstetrics.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Gynecology – Often paired with obstetrics, addressing non-pregnancy reproductive health.
- Cesarean Section – A surgical procedure in obstetrics for delivering a baby.
- Ultrasound – An imaging technique used in obstetrics to monitor the baby’s development.
- Fetal Medicine – A subspecialty focusing on the unborn child’s health.
- High-Risk Pregnancy – A key focus area within obstetrics for managing complications.
Antonyms
- Andrology – The medical field dealing with men’s health.
- Non-maternal care – Healthcare unrelated to pregnancy or childbirth.
- Pediatrics – Focuses on children after birth, rather than during pregnancy.
- Infertility Treatment – Addresses the inability to conceive, contrasting obstetrics’ focus on pregnancy.
- Contraception – Preventing pregnancy, unlike obstetrics, which manages pregnancy.