3 major differences between an obstetrician, gynaecologist

When it comes to women's health, these two words - obstetrician and gynaecologist are usually common but so many people don't understand what they do.

These two medical professions are closely related but there are important distinctions between their roles.

Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) notes that a gynaecologist is a medical professional who specialises in women's reproductive health while an obstetrician is a medical doctor specialising in pregnancy, childbirth, and the overall reproductive health of women. 

Gynaecologists provide comprehensive care and treatment for various conditions affecting the female reproductive system.

1 Routine examinations: Gynecologists conduct routine check-ups and examinations to assess a woman's overall reproductive health.

This may include breast examinations, pelvic examinations, Pap smears, and screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

2 Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases related to the female reproductive system.

This includes menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and urinary tract infections (UTIs), among others.

3 Family Planning: Offer family planning services, providing information and counselling on contraception methods, birth control options, and fertility awareness. They can help individuals and couples make informed decisions regarding pregnancy prevention or planning for pregnancy.

On the other hand obstetricians, primary role is to provide comprehensive care and support to pregnant women throughout their pregnancy journey.

1 Prenaetal care: Obstetricians conduct regular check-ups and examinations to monitor the health and progress of the pregnant woman and her developing fetus.

This includes assessing vital signs, conducting ultrasounds, measuring the growth of the fetus, and ordering necessary tests or screenings.

2 Managing high-risk pregnancies: Trained to identify and manage high-risk pregnancies, such as those involving pre-existing medical conditions (e.g diabetes, hypertension), multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets), or maternal age-related risks. They closely monitor these pregnancies and provide appropriate interventions or referrals to specialists as needed.

3 Labour and delivery: Responsible for overseeing labour and delivery. They monitor the progress of labour, provide pain relief options (such as epidurals), and make decisions regarding the need for interventions like inductions or cesarean sections when necessary.