An OB provider is a healthcare professional specializing in the comprehensive management of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, known as obstetrics. This field ensures the well-being of both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus throughout the reproductive cycle. The spectrum of care ranges from routine prenatal visits and low-intervention deliveries to managing severe complications and performing necessary surgical procedures. A variety of skilled professionals, each with distinct educational backgrounds, work together to provide this specialized maternity care.
Obstetrician-Gynecologists
Obstetrician-Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are physicians who hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Their training begins with four years of medical school, followed by a four-year residency program focused on obstetrics and gynecology. This extensive training equips them with expertise in the medical and surgical management of the female reproductive system and all aspects of pregnancy.
OB/GYNs are recognized as the surgical experts among general obstetrics providers, capable of performing complex procedures such as Cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and instrument-assisted deliveries (forceps or vacuum extractors). Their dual focus means they handle both routine pregnancy care and the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic disorders throughout a person’s life. They are the primary providers for individuals with high-risk pregnancies, managing conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other complex medical complications.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Midwives
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs) are highly trained practitioners who focus on a less medicalized, holistic approach to pregnancy and birth. CNMs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with a graduate degree and midwifery certification, while CMs follow a similar path without necessarily having a prior nursing degree. Both CNMs and CMs share the same scope of practice, including gynecologic services, family planning, and comprehensive care for low-risk pregnancies, labor, and delivery.
Their philosophy views pregnancy and birth as normal physiological processes, offering support and education while minimizing unnecessary medical intervention. Midwives practice in hospitals, birth centers, and homes, working closely with physician colleagues to ensure safety and transferring care if a complication develops. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) are another type of APRN who provide specialized care across the lifespan, including prenatal and postpartum care. However, WHNPs focus primarily on gynecological health and do not have the licensure to manage or supervise births.
Specialists and Generalists in Obstetric Care
The field of obstetrics includes highly specialized physicians for complex cases and generalist physicians who integrate maternity care into their broader practice. Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists, also known as perinatologists, complete a four-year OB/GYN residency followed by an additional three-year fellowship focused on high-risk obstetrics. MFMs act as consultants and experts in managing severe maternal health issues (like uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease) and fetal conditions (such as growth restriction or congenital anomalies).
These specialists perform advanced procedures like targeted ultrasounds, genetic testing, and fetal interventions, providing surveillance for complicated pregnancies. While they oversee complex cases, the general OB/GYN often remains the primary delivering physician, with the MFM specialist providing consultative expertise. In contrast, Family Physicians (FPs) are generalist doctors who may include obstetrics in their practice, offering comprehensive care for the entire family.
FPs who practice obstetrics are important in rural or underserved areas, often being the only physician providing delivery services, sometimes including Cesarean sections. Their role provides continuity, bridging the care gap between pregnancy and newborn care, as they often become the pediatrician for the infant and the primary care provider for the family. The scope of obstetrical procedures an FP performs varies based on their training and the hospital resources available.