OB vs. Gynecologist: Different Specialties, Often Combined as OB-GYN

Obstetrician (OB): Specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care. Manages prenatal visits, delivery, complications.

Gynecologist: Specializes in women's reproductive health across lifespan—menstrual disorders, STIs, contraception, cancers, menopause.

OB-GYN: Dual-trained; provides comprehensive care from adolescence through menopause. Most practitioners are OB-GYNs.

Choose based on need: prenatal/delivery → OB; general reproductive health → gynecologist; both → OB-GYN. Regular checkups with a qualified provider are essential.