Obstetrician vs Gynaecologist: What is the Difference and Who Should You See?

2025-06-14 10:43:08
Obstetrician vs Gynaecologist: What is the Difference and Who Should You See?
Obstetrician vs Gynaecologist: What is the Difference and Who Should You See?

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Obstetrician vs Gynaecologist: What is the Difference

Obstetricians and gynecologists are both doctors who support women’s health, but their areas of care are different. There are many differences between an obstetrician and a gynecologist. An obstetrician focuses on pregnancy-related care such as labor, delivery, and postnatal support, while a gynecologist deals with female reproductive health.

Patients are often confused between these two terms; it is crucial to know the distinction. Obstetrics and Gynecology are two different areas of specialization. Generally, most gynecologists are obstetricians, but not all obstetricians are gynecologists. Let us learn more about the differences and specializations of both fields.

Gynecology and Obstetrics: What are the Advancements?

Researchers study various aspects related to patient care and treatment. Doctors improve treatment methods based on health, treatment, and patient outcomes. Thanks to technological advancements and medical progress, pregnant mothers and patients now receive better care.

Sources indicate that patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) results in greater patient satisfaction.

  • Research also focuses on the role of technology in improving obstetric care, such as the use of 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging.
  • Obstetricians and gynecologists have also been observing that the factors of depression drugs and medicines lead to emotional stress during pregnancy.
  • At Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals, doctors help address these complex concerns and problems, providing personalized patient care that makes the treatment more two-way and heals patients simultaneously.

Differences between Obstetricians & Gynecologists

 

Key Differences Obstetrician  Gynaecologists
Area of specialization Focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the female reproductive system
Treatment Provides medical care throughout pregnancy, including antenatal check-ups and up to six weeks post-delivery Manages issues such as menstrual disorders, fibroids, endometriosis, fertility challenges (including IVF), and reproductive cancers.
Role Not all obstetricians are gynecologists. Obstetricians exclusively manage pregnancy and delivery Gynecologists may also be trained in obstetrics, but can practice solely in reproductive health
Services provided Prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postnatal monitoring. Comprehensive reproductive health care, including preventive screenings, hormonal therapy, and surgical interventions

 

Here, there are three differences between obstetricians and gynecologists. Here are some key differences you should know.

  1. Obstetricians provide medical assistance during pregnancies, prenatal care, postpartum care, and delivery. While gynecologists provide care for reproductive health issues unrelated to pregnancy, their care involves everything from menstrual health to infertility and more complex issues relating to female reproductive health.
  2. Not all obstetricians are gynecologists, while all gynecologists may be obstetricians.
  3. Gynecologists and obstetricians help heal female reproductive health. Obstetricians offer health services for prenatal care, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care. Gynecologists focus on menstrual disorders, infections, cancers, and treatments relating to fertility. Explore our specialized gynecology care service for women to know more.

What is an Obstetrician?

Ever wondered who or what an obstetrician is? An obstetrician is a pregnancy care specialist who helps deliver babies and supports the medical health of pregnant women. These doctors are responsible for treating all the concerns relating to pregnancy, the prenatal stage, postpartum care, labor, and the child’s birth.

Areas of Service - Obstetrician

The Area of Care or Specialization

An obstetrician treats patients during the prenatal stage and specializes in managing complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Their role is to ensure a painless delivery for pregnant women and help in routine diagnosis and treatment for every phases of pregnancy.

Areas of Service – Obstetrician

  • Prenatal scans, lab tests
  • Monitoring the fetus’s growth and the position of the child in the womb
  • Ultrasound and pregnancy tests
  • Delivery and labor ward emergencies
  • Postpartum care

What is a Gynecologist?

Want to know what a gynecologist is? A gynecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health. The role of a gynecologist is to diagnose and treat issues relating to the female reproductive organs, examining the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

The Area of Care or Specialization

Gynecologists’ areas of care and specialization include female reproductive health, gynecological oncology, and reproductive endocrinology. These services require more expertise and deal with a wide range of issues affecting the treatment of female reproductive organs.

Areas of Service - Gynecologist

  • Regular gynecological care includes Pap smears, pelvic exams, and breast cancer screenings.
  • Gynecologists specialize in female reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Their services include everything from gynecologic oncology to other surgical procedures.

Final Comments

Obstetricians and gynecologists provide prenatal care, regular check-ups, and treatment, as well as Pap smears, ultrasounds, and all services related to the psychological support of patients during pregnancy. They also provide counseling for paternal and maternal health.

Gynecologists help monitor women’s reproductive health and handle issues such as irregular periods, infertility, and more. For gynecology-related issues, reach out to Dr. Mehta Hospital’s gynecology wing.

We hope you now understand the differences between a gynecologist and an obstetrician. We hope you receive the best treatment and advice tailored to your health needs. If you are looking for the best obstetrician and gynaecology hospital in Chennai – Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals, where specialized women’s healthcare is provided with compassion and advanced medical expertise., you can schedule a consultation online with our experienced women’s health team at Dr. Mehta’s Hospital.

 

FAQs

Why would you see a Gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the reproductive health of the female reproductive system. You may need a gynecologist if you are suffering from issues related to periods, infertility, pregnancy, or menopause.

How to choose the best obstetrician?

If you are looking to get the best obstetric treatment for your wife, then it is not a significant problem. Choosing the best obstetrician means asking friends and family, reading reviews online, and seeking the best advice from family doctors and friends.

What is Gynecologic Oncology?

Gynecologic oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with finding and treating cancers in a woman’s reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, uterus, and cervix. These specialists concentrate on specific surgeries and chemotherapy.

Do gynecologists perform surgery?

Both obstetricians and gynecologists may perform surgery to treat patients. OB/GYNs are the primary care physicians who prescribe medicines for female reproductive health and pregnancy.

 

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