Difference Between Obstetrics and Gynaecology

What Is the Difference Between Obstetrics and Gynaecology?

Many women refer to OB/GYN as a broad term for a reproductive and pregnancy-related practice. Many people confuse OB/GYN and gynaecology. Which they aren’t. An OB/GYN combines the specialities of obstetrics and gynaecology. Gynaecologists specialise in only gynaecology. Although a physician might specialise in both medical fields, there are distinctions between the two professions and vocations. 

Women would see a different physician as their needs changed throughout their lives. A woman may see one or the other for a variety of reasons, depending on her condition and difficulties.

So, what is the difference? 

Although OB/GYN is considered a single speciality, it includes two distinct professions. 

Gynaecology (GYN) encompasses the management of all women’s health issues. Obstetrics (OB) is concerned with pre-conception care, pregnancy, childbirth, and the period immediately following delivery.

What is Obstetrics? 

Obstetrics is the practice of caring for women before, during, and after childbirth. It is an examination of both the mother and the infant. It is the plan from conception to the general health of the mother and foetus during pregnancy. Also included are any measures necessary to guarantee the mother’s safety and health during her first, second, and third trimesters, as well as delivery. It also includes postpartum care under the direction and supervision of an obstetrician.

What is Gynaecology? 

Gynaecology primarily addresses a woman’s entire reproductive health. This is thorough information about a woman’s reproductive system and needs at various phases of her life. These doctors assess a woman’s progress, discuss issues, and recommend medicines and preventatives to maintain the health of her uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and breasts, as well as her vagina. It refers to the overall health of a woman, regardless of whether she is pregnant. 

Obstetrics 

An obstetrician manages a woman’s whole pregnancy journey, including prenatal and postoperative care. An obstetrician is educated to deliver babies and to administer fertility therapies to assist the pregnancy’s progress. In addition, they will guide you through scenarios such as early labour into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby. 

Obstetricians are also trained to address pregnancy problems, which include:

  • Ectopic pregnancy is when the foetus grows outside of the uterus. 
  • Foetal distress signs indicate that the foetus is not doing well for a variety of causes. 
  • Placental problems. 
  • Preeclampsia Delivery via Caesarean section

An obstetrician can assist you not just before, during, and after pregnancy, but also afterwards if you are suffering from postpartum depression or another issue. These experts may assist with the specialised care of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, as well as handling a laundry list of potential difficulties that may arise throughout pregnancy and the delivery process. This could include a variety of scenarios, such as:

  • Ectopic pregnancy is one in which the foetus develops outside of the uterus. 
  • Foetal distress: symptoms before and during childbirth that may indicate the foetus is not coping well. 
  • Placental problems. 
  • High blood pressure is frequently a precursor to preeclampsia, a potentially severe illness. 
  • Caesarean section 

Guiding a mother through the full pregnancy experience safely includes other services offered by obstetricians, such as (but not limited to): 

  • Fertility Treatment 
  • Foetal Diagnosis 
  • Procedures NICU care (a paediatrician may also be in charge of this)

Gynaecology 

A gynaecologist specialises in a woman’s total reproductive health, from her first period or teenage years to postmenopausal. This encompasses any illnesses or concerns that can influence a woman’s reproductive system, such as: 

  • Cervix, 
  • vagina, 
  • uterus, 
  • ovaries, and 
  • fallopian tubes

A gynaecologist is responsible for diagnosing and treating these conditions. Gynaecologists are qualified to undertake suggested screenings, which include:

  • Pap smears 
  • Breast examinations 
  • Pelvic examinations 

Also, perform: 

  • Hysterectomies Tubal ligations 
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) injections
  • Cervical Cancer Screenings 

Gynaecologists also advise on safe sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted disease prevention, and contraception such as birth control pills, injections, and IUDs. A gynaecologist is your primary care physician for any non-pregnancy issues concerning female reproductive health. A gynaecologist can diagnose and treat conditions such as:

It is normal for some physicians to specialise in both gynaecology and obstetrics. This enables the physician to address a wide range of healthcare issues and offer a variety of care to all patients. These physicians are known as OB/GYNs. 

Women often begin seeing a gynaecologist regularly when they become sexually active or at the commencement of puberty if they choose to do so, and continue until menopause. Regular checkups are critical to women’s general health. Even before deciding to become pregnant and booking an obstetrics appointment for additional treatment.

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