Specialty3 min read
Obstetrics and gynecology
An obstetrician/gynecologist focuses on women's health before, during and after childbearing years, diagnosing and treating reproductive system conditions and providing pregnancy and childbirth care.
According to AMA FREIDA the obstetrician-gynaecologist provides comprehensive care for women including pregnancy, childbirth and diseases of the reproductive system, preventive care, antenatal care, detection of sexually transmitted infections, cervical smear (Pap) screening, tumours, reconstructive surgery and family planning. MedlinePlus describes them as a doctor specialising in women and childbirth, including women's health and wellness and antenatal care.
According to FREIDA, major operations include abdominal and vaginal procedures such as hysterectomy, keyhole surgery (sometimes robot-assisted), hysteroscopy and laparotomy for pelvic surgery; office procedures include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, colposcopy, hysteroscopy and saline infusion ultrasound. On this site, the pages on anaemia (menstruation and pregnancy) and osteoporosis (after menopause) are linked to it.
In one minute123
- What is it?
- The specialty of women's health, pregnancy, childbirth and diseases of the reproductive system.
- Who is usually affected?
- Women of all ages before, during and after pregnancy.
- Acute or chronic?
- Regular, preventive and therapeutic care.
- Main symptoms
- Menstrual disturbance, pelvic pain, pregnancy (depending on the condition).
- Red flags?
- Yes: heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain or bleeding during pregnancy is an emergency.
- Preventable?
- Regular check-ups and preconception care according to guidance.
What is it?
"Focuses on women's health before, during and after the reproductive years, and diagnoses and treats conditions of the reproductive system and related disorders" (AMA FREIDA). MedlinePlus describes them: doctors specialising in women and childbirth, including women's health and wellness and antenatal care.
Conditions it covers
Scope of work according to FREIDA: pregnancy and childbirth and diseases of the reproductive system, preventive care and antenatal care, detection of sexually transmitted infections, cervical smear screening, tumours, reconstructive surgery and family planning.
Related pages on this site: the reproductive system, anaemia (heavy menstruation and pregnancy are risk factors according to NHLBI and WHO) and osteoporosis (women after menopause are more prone according to NIAMS).
Common tests and procedures
Major procedures according to FREIDA: hysterectomy, keyhole surgery (sometimes robotic), hysteroscopy, and laparotomy for pelvic organ surgery. Office procedures: amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, colposcopy, hysteroscopy, and ultrasound with saline infusion.
When to see one
Referral to the specialist is usually decided by the primary care provider according to the condition (MedlinePlus). This page does not cover specific schedules of routine tests.
When do you need urgent help?
Call emergency services now 998
- Heavy vaginal bleeding, bleeding during pregnancy, or sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain: seek emergency care. (A general warning that is no substitute for assessment.)1
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
What is the difference between obstetrics and gynaecology?
According to FREIDA: the specialty combines pregnancy and childbirth (obstetrics) and diseases of the reproductive system (gynaecology).1
Questions for your doctor
- Which regular check-ups are suitable for my age?
- How do I prepare for pregnancy?
- What are my family planning options?
- Are my menstrual symptoms normal?
References
- 1AMA FREIDA. Obstetrics and gynecology — specialty description. freida.ama-assn.org/specialty/obstetrics-and-gynecologyEducational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 2MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 3NHLBI / NIH. Anemia. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemiaHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 4WHO. Anaemia — Fact sheet. www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anaemiaHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 5NIAMS / NIH. Osteoporosis. www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosisHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.