Obstetricians and gynecologists are specialties that are often practiced by the same physicians – each is a distinct field of practice.

Obstetrics is the care and treatment of a woman throughout her pregnancy, from conception through the period immediately after delivery (postpartum phase).

Gynecology involves the treatment of the female reproductive system, including preventive care, bladder control, menstrual bleeding, hysterectomy and family planning.

Obstetricians/gynecologists (also known as OB/GYNs) often complete their training in both fields concurrently, although there are some once-OB/GYNs who have decided to restrict their practice to just one field, for various reasons.