What does OB in OB/GYN stand for?

The term "OB" in OB/GYN stands for obstetrics, which is the branch of medicine that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Obstetrics focuses on monitoring the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, managing labor and delivery, and providing care during the recovery phase after childbirth. This specialty encompasses prenatal care, labor management, and post-delivery support, making it essential to the health and well-being of both mothers and their newborns.

The field of gynecology, indicated by the "GYN" portion, complements obstetrics by addressing women's reproductive health issues outside of pregnancy. Together, they form a comprehensive approach to women's health care, emphasizing the importance of both obstetric and gynecologic medicine in achieving optimal health outcomes for patients.