An obstetrician is a specialized physician educated and trained in the management of pregnancy, labor, and peperium (or the weeks following child birth.) An obstetrician is referred by gynecologists who confirm pregnancy. Obstetricians monitor, provide for, and assess pre-natal care. Obstetricians also provide pregnancy related testing, monitor fetal growth and development, and provide childbirth related education to patients. Obstetricians also provide delivery during the birth process and post-partum after care to women. Obstetricians also manage and treat any perperium complications.
The fields of obstetrics and gynecology are closely related but education is specialized for each medical field. Obstetricians treat pregnancy and pregnancy related medical conditions, gynecologists treat non-pregnancy related medical conditions. Each profession specializes in very distinct, but closely related fields, and can not provide full assistance necessary to service the other.
Employment as an obstetrician requires medical school and specialization in particular fields of study. Successful completion of college is necessary before advancing to medical school. Most candidates are evaluated strictly and academic standing is directly related to acceptance into medical school. Training to become an obstetrician is difficult and lengthy but the rewards are tremendous.
Obstetricians are among the top earners in the field of medicine with an average annual salary between $132,000 to $240,000. Many employers offer attractive and lucrative benefits and incentives for potential candidates. Most incentives are manifested financially and generally attached to benefit packages tailored to incite candidates. Working hours are primarily determined by physicians and though often long, they are frequently flexible and convenient.