adjective
obstetric
ub-STET-rik/əbˈstetrɪk/
Relating to medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.
The hospital provides obstetric care throughout pregnancy and during childbirth.
Etymology
Latin obstetricus meant “pertaining to a midwife,” whose name literally described someone standing opposite the woman giving birth. The adjective connects that birth-attendant role with medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.
In context
These dimensions are part of standard obstetric evaluation, they help estimate whether labor is likely to progress normally or if a C-section might be required.
More examples
- She schedules an obstetric appointment early in her pregnancy.
- The obstetric team monitors the baby's heartbeat during labor.
- Her doctor orders an obstetric ultrasound to check the baby's growth.
Forms
obstetrics noun — The medical specialty covering pregnancy and childbirth.
obstetrician noun — A doctor specializing in pregnancy and childbirth.
Similar words
- prenatal
- Specifically concerns the period before birth, rather than childbirth itself.
- perinatal
- Focuses on the period immediately before and after birth.