An obstetrics (OB) nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who specializes in caring for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. OB nurses work closely with obstetricians, midwives, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby.

The role of an OB nurse includes:

• Prenatal care: OB nurses monitor the health of pregnant women and their developing fetuses, providing education and support to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
• Labor and delivery: OB nurses assist with the delivery of babies, monitoring the mother and baby’s vital signs and providing comfort and support to the mother during labor.
• Postpartum care: OB nurses provide care and support to new mothers and their newborns in the immediate postpartum period, monitoring for signs of complications and providing education on breastfeeding, infant care, and postpartum recovery.
• Neonatal care: OB nurses may also work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), providing specialized care to premature or critically ill newborns.

OB nurses may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and clinics. They may also choose to specialize in areas such as high-risk pregnancy, neonatal care, or lactation consulting.

To become an OB nurse, you must first obtain a nursing degree (either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree) and become a registered nurse (RN). You can then gain experience in obstetrics through on-the-job training, continuing education courses, or a specialized certification program.

Overall, OB nursing is a challenging and rewarding specialty that requires a high level of skill and expertise in caring for both mothers and babies during one of the most important times in their lives.