noun
obstetrician
ahb-stuh-TRISH-un/ˌɑːbstəˈtrɪʃn/
A doctor specializing in care during pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery after birth.
The obstetrician performs an ultrasound to check the baby's development.
Etymology
The Latin word for “midwife” literally meant “one who stands opposite” the woman giving birth. This childbirth-attendant image underlies the modern name for a doctor specializing in pregnancy and childbirth.
In context
professor John Dickinson the obstetrician to bring these babies safely into the world
More examples
- My obstetrician answers my questions about labor and delivery.
- She calls her obstetrician when her contractions become regular.
- At my postpartum visit, the obstetrician checks how I am healing.
Forms
obstetrician · obstetricians
obstetrics noun — Medical care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.
obstetric adjective — Relating to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
Similar words
- OB-GYN
- Also specializes in reproductive health beyond pregnancy and childbirth.