Who is the medical expert that manages care during pregnancy and childbirth?

The medical expert who manages care during pregnancy and childbirth is an obstetrician. Obstetricians are specialized physicians who focus on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They possess extensive training in the normal physiology of pregnancy as well as in managing complications that may arise during this time. Their expertise allows them to monitor the health of both the mother and baby, provide prenatal care, assist in labor and delivery, and offer guidance and support after childbirth.

While gynecologists deal with women's reproductive health issues, they do not specifically focus on the medical management of pregnancy and childbirth, making their role distinct from that of obstetricians. Internists specialize in adult internal medicine and are not trained to handle obstetric care, while gerontologists focus on the medical care of elderly patients. The unique training and skills that obstetricians possess in maternal-fetal medicine differentiate them as the primary caregivers in the realm of pregnancy and childbirth.