Women's perception of the term 'obstetrician'

This study aimed to find how aware pregnant women were of the meaning of the term 'obstetrician', their feelings about it, and their understanding of the role. The perceptions of pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a tertiary maternity unit were surveyed using an anonymous questionnaire. One hundred questionnaires were issued and 83 completed. Of the 83, 72 (87%) had previously heard the term 'obstetrician', but 50 (69%) of these did not know its meaning. Most women described neutral connotations with the term and had no preference about the term used; however, approximately one-third of the participants preferred non-Latin terms such as maternity doctor. A more descriptive term may help bridge the apparent gap in understanding and promote a more balanced doctor- service user relationship.