As long as women exist there will be a need for gynecologists, midwives and gynecology and obstetrics nurses. An interesting career is an obstetrics and gynecology nurse. Obstetrics and gynecology nurses follow the guidance of a doctor. They work with the female reproductive system. A gynecology and obstetrics nurse does many things, from childbirth to treating deaths of the female reproductive system. In this article, you will learn about the history of gynecology, the steps needed to pursue a career in gynecology, a brief description of a career in gynecology, and the job prospects of gynecologists. Obstetrics and gynecology date back to the 17th century and were known as midwives or birth attendants. They had no training in this area. Due to lack of training, most mothers died in childbirth. It wasn't until the 20th century that there was a higher rate of women living after giving birth. Today, obstetrics and gynecology are practiced in private companies or hospitals. More sterile and safer techniques were also developed to comfort the mother. In 1825, James Blundell, a British obstetrician, performed the first successful blood transfusion. He conducted many surgical experiments that later opened the door to ovariotomy and cesarean section. An ovariotomy is a surgical incision made to remove the ovary. A cesarean section, commonly called a C-section, is an incision made through the mother's lower abdomen to deliver a baby. The first cesarean section is thought to have been performed in 1881. To become an obstetrics and gynecology nurse you must earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. It is best to choose a school that offers obstetric nursing, but you can also go to...... middle of paper ...... 311 -- Postgraduate Medical Journal." Postgraduate Medical Journal - BMJ Journals. Np, February 2002 . Web. May 21, 2014. Greenwood, Beth. “Duties of a Nurse Midwife.” 2008. Web. May 21, 2014. “How to Become a Nurse Midwife: Education and Career Roadmap.” Daily life - Global Post. Np, 2014. Web. May 23, 2014." List of responsibilities and duties of obstetrics and gynecological nurses." Leading career portal with thousands of samples and articles | Greatsampleresume.com. Np, nd Web. May 24, 2014. Winer, Wendy K. "The Importance of an RN in Your Care | OBGYN.Net." OBGYN.net, an online community for medical professionals | OBGYN.Net. Np, 18 August 2006. Web. 24 May 2014.