Midwifery (also known as
obstetrics) is the
health science and the
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. In many countries, midwifery is a medical profession (special for its independent and direct specialized education, should not be confused with a medical specialty which depends on a previous general training). A professional in midwifery is known as a
midwife.