What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
midwife
Example
The midwife helped the mother through her contractions. [midwife: noun]
Example
She decided to have a midwife-assisted home birth. [midwife-assisted: adjective]
obstetrician
Example
The obstetrician monitored the baby's heart rate during labor. [obstetrician: noun]
Example
She had to undergo an emergency cesarean section due to complications, and the obstetrician performed the surgery. [obstetrician: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obstetricians are more commonly used in medical settings and are often the primary healthcare provider for pregnant women. Midwives are less common but are becoming increasingly popular as more women seek natural childbirth options.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between midwife and obstetrician?
Obstetricians are typically associated with a formal and medical tone, while midwives are often associated with a more personal and supportive approach to childbirth.