8.1 Obstetrics Introduction
Learning Objectives
- Apply the rules of medical language to build, analyze, spell, pronounce, abbreviate, and define terms as they relate to obstetrics
- Identify meanings of key word components related to obstetrics
- Categorize diagnostic, therapeutic, procedural, or anatomic terms related to obstetrics
- Use terms related to obstetrics
- Use terms related to obstetric disorders
Introduction to Obstetrics
Obstetrics (ŏb-STE-triks) (OB) is a medical specialty concerning care of the mother and fetus during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately after childbirth. This chapter will review common word components related to fertilization, pregnancy, and childbirth to assist learning how to analyze, build, and define medical terms. Other terms whose definitions cannot be easily built from word components will be described in context. Medical specialists, diagnostic tests, and procedures related to fertilization, pregnancy, and childbirth will also be discussed. Additional information about the female reproductive system is discussed in the “Female Reproductive System Terminology” chapter.
View this YouTube video[1] for an introduction to pregnancy and development: Reproductive System, Part 4 – Pregnancy & Development: Crash Course A&P #43
- CrashCourse. (2015, November 23). Reproductive system, Part 4 - Pregnancy & development: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #43 [Video]. YouTube. All rights reserved. https://youtu.be/BtsSbZ85yiQ?si=DSdQWrT6GeIs3QxG ↵
