Obstetrician

From Encyclopedia of Sex and Sexuality

An obstetrician is a physician who has been specifically trained to care for pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and during labor and delivery. The training of an obstetrician involves a four-year residency after graduation from medical school. The doctor is also trained as a gynecologist (a specialist in women’s reproductive health).

Women see an obstetrician either because they are planning to become pregnant or they already are pregnant. It is usually recommended that they see an obstetrician when pregnancy is planned, because if there are any health problems, they should be addressed well before the onset of pregnancy.