What is obstetrics? Obstetrics is the practice of the birth of
babies and taking care of a woman during and after her
pregnancy. An obstetrician provides prenatal care and may
perform the delivery as well. All OB doctors are trained in
gynecology and obstetrics and may combine both specialties
(referred to as an OB-GYN), although some practice obstetrics
exclusively. However, due to increasing cost of malpractice
premiums, the number of OB doctors who practice obstetrics
exclusively has greatly diminished in the past 10-12 years. When
would I see an obstetrician, and what procedures does an OB
perform? A patient who suspects or knows she is pregnant should
schedule a visit with an OB doctor. Most insurance plans require
a woman to see her primary care physician before being referred
to an obstetrician. The OB doctor will establish that the
patient is pregnant by either a urine or blood test, and
estimate the approximate date of conception using a dating
ultrasound, if approved by insurance. According to Linda