the field of medicine dealing with the care of all womens reproductive tracts and their children during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period is called obstetrics. A physician who specializes in this field is called an obstetrician. Obstetrics is closely associated with gynecology.
Before the 18th century, treating pregnant women was exclusively done by female midwives. Male physicians were included only if the situation was complicated beyond the control of midwives.