Obstetrics is a vast field and in conjunction with gynecology, it covers diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions before and through all the stages of pregnancy and postpartum phase.

An obstetrician is chiefly responsible for performing deliveries and has to coordinate with gynecologists, anesthesiologists and other assistant doctors to monitor the entire process of labour. The obstetrician should be skilled at performing normal as well as Caesarean deliveries as also handle any complications that may arise between the process. Typically seen complications in a pregnant woman may include ectopic pregnancy, fetal distress, placental abruption, uterine rupture and other physiological abnormalities. Postpartum is an equally important factor in pregnancy and an obstetrician along with a gynecologist have to constantly focus on the condition of the patient post delivery and make sure the vital stats are in place and the mother is recovering healthily.

Obstetricians also treat women with high risk pregnancies in cases wherein the women has a chronic health condition, is over 35 years of age, or carrying multiple babies, hypertension in pregnancy, have a history of miscarriage or any other complications. Apart from surgical and therapeutic remedies, they also counsel patients about lifestyle choices for a healthier pregnancy and life.