INTRODUCTION

The word derives from Old English mid, "with," and wif, "woman," and thus originally meant
"with-woman," that is, the person who is with the woman (mother) at childbirth. 

Obstetrics word came from a Modern Latin obstetricus, "pertaining to a midwife," which has the
root word obstetrix, "midwife,"

Terminology

• Midwifery is the knowledge necessary to perform the duties of midwife.

• Obstetrics is that branch of medicine, which deals with the management of pregnancy,
labor and puerperium.

• Gynecology is that branch of medical science, which treats diseases of the female genital
organs.

• Reproduction means process by which a fully developed offspring of its kind is produced

• Pregnancy is a state of carrying fetus inside the uterus by a woman from conception to
birth.

• Gestation means pregnancy.

• Gravidae is state of pregnancy irrespective of its duration.

• Multipara refers to woman who has given birth more than once

• Nullipara is the woman who has not given birth before.

• Primigravidae is a woman carrying first pregnancy.

• Multigravidae is a woman carrying pregnancy more than once.

Definition:

1. Midwifery, is a health science and health profession that deals with pregnancy, childbirth,

and the postpartum period (including care of the newborn), besides sexual and
reproductive health of women throughout their lives.

2. Obstetrical nursing, also called perinatal nursing, is a nursing specialty that works with
patients who are attempting to become pregnant, are currently pregnant, or have recently
delivered. Obstetrical nurses help provide prenatal care and testing, care of patients
experiencing pregnancy complications, care during labor and delivery, and care of
patients following delivery. Obstetrical nurses work closely with obstetricians, midwives,
and nurse practitioners.