This August 31 is celebrated the international day of obstetrics that takes place to publicize this specialty of our health. This is how we answer questions and answers about obstetrics if you are not completely clear about it.
This day takes place in honor of the day that Saint Ramón Nonato (patron of obstetrics, pregnant women and women in labor) was born in 1240. Let us remember that he was a priest of the Order of Mercy, and then a cardinal appointed by Pope Gregory IX .
His story is important to be related to this day because he was born in Lleida, from the womb of his mother who died the day before. And for this reason, pregnant women evoke this saint, among others, in order to protect the course of their pregnancy.
What is obstetrics?
We talk about that medical specialty related to pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium. It is combined with gynecology, already encompassing a single specialty.
What functions does the professional in this specialty do?
The obstetrician attends to the woman in her stages of pregnancy, childbirth and the phase after this, to check that everything is going correctly.
Then, among its functions, is to carry out a comprehensive examination of controls during pregnancy. Provides information on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, as well as future baby care, before passing this lesson into the hands of pediatricians. It can help in the delivery so that everything goes correctly.
What are the differences between a gynecologist and an obstetrician?
According to MGC Mutua, it is usually combined with gynecology under the specialty of gynecology and obstetrics, since both go hand in hand. But its function is different.
While the gynecologist is in charge of the review and treatment of diseases related to the female reproductive organs (including aspects such as menstruation, reproductive problems or menopause), the obstetrician is in charge of periodic check-ups during pregnancy and possible complications that may arise in this period (gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia …).
Obstetricians are gynecologists, but although most are, not all gynecologists are obstetricians.
What is obstetric violence?
According to the WHO, obstetric violence is defined as a specific form of violence exerted by health professionals (predominantly doctors and nurses) towards pregnant women, in labor and the puerperium. It constitutes a violation of the reproductive and sexual rights of women.





