obstetric

American  

[uhb-ste-trik] / əbˈstɛ trɪk /

Also obstetrical

adjective

1. of or relating to the care and treatment of women in childbirth and during the period before and after delivery.

2. of or relating to childbirth or obstetrics. OB, ob

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obstetric British  

/ ɒbˈstɛtrɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to childbirth or obstetrics

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Other Word Forms

• nonobstetric adjective
• nonobstetrical adjective
• nonobstetrically adverb
• obstetrically adverb

Etymology

Origin of obstetric

First recorded in 1735–45; from New Latin obstetrīcus “pertaining to a midwife,” alteration of Latin obstetrīcius, derivative of obstetrīx, equivalent to ob- ob- + ste- (combining form of stāre to stand ) + -trīx -trix

Example Sentences

Women are more than four times as likely as men to attend routine checkups, largely because of gynecologic and obstetric visits.

From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2026

She also welcomed Healthcare Improvement Scotland's decision to conduct unannounced inspections of all obstetric units.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2025

The lack of medical supplies and facilities is also a major factor, he said, with over 94 percent of hospitals damaged or destroyed, and only 15 percent of operational facilities offering emergency obstetric care.

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

The physician went on probation, which he completed two years ago, after being accused by the Medical Board of California of “gross negligence” in his treatment of several obstetric patients.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2024

No one, not even the nuns, had had the courage to enter the obstetric ward.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston