Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Obstetrician-Gynecologist
What obstetrician-gynecologists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Check patients in labor. From there, the day usually includes provide prenatal care, deliver babies and perform cesarean sections, and manage high-risk pregnancies. Babies arrive any time, so OB-GYNs take overnight and weekend call; some work only gynecology or as laborists on shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an obstetrician-gynecologist working full time.
- Check patients in labor.
- See prenatal patients in clinic.
- Deliver a baby.
- Perform a scheduled cesarean.
- Do annual exams and Pap tests.
- Perform a laparoscopic surgery.
- Take night call for labor and delivery.
Where obstetrician-gynecologists work
OB-GYNs work in clinics, hospitals, labor and delivery units and operating rooms.
Hours and schedule
Babies arrive any time, so OB-GYNs take overnight and weekend call; some work only gynecology or as laborists on shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Provide prenatal care
- Deliver babies and perform cesarean sections
- Manage high-risk pregnancies
- Perform gynecologic exams and screenings
- Treat reproductive conditions
- Perform gynecologic surgery
- Provide contraception and menopause care
Tools you’ll use every day
- Fetal monitors
- Ultrasound
- Surgical instruments
- Laparoscopic equipment
- Delivery equipment
- Electronic health records
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Deeply meaningful work
- High pay
- Mix of clinic and surgery
- Long-term patient relationships
What’s hard
- Unpredictable hours
- High liability
- Emergencies
- Long training
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to care for women’s health
- I like both clinic and surgery
- I stay calm in emergencies
- I can handle unpredictable hours
- I value long-term relationships
- I can commit to long training
Not sure? Take the free Obstetrician-Gynecologist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow obstetric emergency drills
- Use time-outs in surgery
- Follow infection control
- Monitor fetal and maternal vital signs