obstetrician

American  

[ob-sti-trish-uhn] / ˌɒb stɪˈtrɪʃ ən /

noun

1. a physician who specializes in obstetrics. OB, ob

---

obstetrician British  

/ ˌɒbstɪˈtrɪʃən /

noun

1. a physician who specializes in obstetrics

---

Etymology

Origin of obstetrician

First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin obstetrīci(a) “midwifery” (noun use of feminine of obstetrīcius ) + -an; see origin at obstetric

Explanation

If you were born in the United States, probably the first doctor you ever laid eyes on was an obstetrician, a medical doctor who delivers babies. In many parts of the world, it’s more likely that a midwife would welcome you into the world. But even though an obstetrician is a medical doctor and can be male or female, the name goes back to the Latin word for midwife, obstetrix, the woman who "stands in front [of the woman having the baby]." Obstetricians are often called “O.B.,” for short, and an O.B. who also treats diseases of the female reproductive system is called an “O.B.-G.Y.N.,” “obstetrician-gynecologist.”

Example Sentences

Professor Asma Khalil, Professor of Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine at City St George's, University of London and Consultant Obstetrician, led the study and addressed why earlier research may have raised alarms.

From Science Daily • Jan. 19, 2026

Obstetrician Monica Wulandari, who delivered the baby, said the process was made all the more difficult by aftershocks and limited medical equipment and medication.

From Reuters • Nov. 24, 2022

Dr. Megan Evans, MD, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Tufts Medical Center, said the ingredients that are often used in bath bombs can cause "irritation and inflammation to the vulva."

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2021

Obstetrician, Dr Daghni Rajasingam agrees social media can make young mums worry about their bodies.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2019

He was referring to one of the male figures in white, whose head was a portrait of Dr. Benjamin Hitz, the hospital's Chief Obstetrician.

From 2 B R 0 2 B by Vonnegut, Kurt