[Psychosocial gynecology and obstetrics. A need for its own specialty]

Gynaecology and obstetrics are medical fields where knowledge about the psychological and social factors influencing the patient's situation is essential. Some of these factors are risk factors for complications and illness during pregnancy and childbirth, and for reproductive health. Treatment and diagnosis of women with gynaecological disorders and of mother and child during pregnancy strongly influence mental health and well-being. Individual ways of coping with life events vary. In the individual approach to the treatment of women, gynaecologists need to have a broad understanding of the intrapsychic and social aspects of women's lives. This article lists some important fields of future research. We also discuss the necessity for systematic education in psychosocial gynaecology and obstetrics for clinical gynaecologists.