Obstetricians (also called OBs) are medical doctors who specialize
in the care of pregnant women, from the time of conception through delivery and
the period following delivery (postpartum). Most obstetricians are also
gynecologists who diagnose and treat diseases of the female reproductive system
and provide care for women when they are not pregnant.
An obstetrician can further specialize in perinatology
(maternal-fetal medicine), which focuses on high-risk pregnancies, testing, and
fetal development. Or an obstetrician may specialize in reproductive
endocrinology and infertility (care of women who have hormonal or fertility
problems).
Obstetricians can be board-certified through the Board of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical
Specialties.