Obstetrics and gynecology is the medical specialty concerned with the care of women during pregnancy and with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system.
Obstetrics had, throughout history, been undertaken by female midwives. Eventually, by the early 19th century, the practice of obstetrics became an established medical discipline. However, in many rural areas, midwives were still widely used well into the 20th century. Today, the use of midwives has been gaining popularity by women seeking a more natural birthing experience.
In the 20th century, obstetrics and gynecology developed in the areas of fertility, contraception, prenatal care, and the treatment of diseases and injuries to the reproductive system. All of this has been aided by medical advancements in anesthesia, surgical procedures and the development of the ultrasound.
