What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obstetric
Example
The obstetrician monitored the mother's contractions during labor. [obstetrician: noun]
Example
The hospital offers a range of obstetric services for expectant mothers. [obstetric: adjective]
maternity
Example
She is on maternity leave from work until her baby is born. [maternity: noun]
Example
The hospital has a maternity ward for women in labor. [maternity: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Maternity is more commonly used than obstetric in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of topics related to pregnancy and motherhood. Obstetric is more commonly used in medical and technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obstetric and maternity?
Obstetric is typically used in formal and technical contexts, while maternity can be employed in both formal and informal settings, making it more versatile in terms of formality level.
