The Transformative Role of AI in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Practices

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into medical practices is revolutionizing the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, treatment planning, and overall patient care. This shift, as outlined in a report published on July 12, 2025, in The Hindu, underscores the potential of AI to serve as an invaluable tool for healthcare professionals while emphasizing the importance of maintaining safeguards to protect patient data and ensure ethical usage.

AI's utility in healthcare has been increasingly recognized for its ability to streamline processes and improve patient outcomes. According to Dr. Abha Majumdar, Director and Head of the Centre of IVF and Human Reproduction at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, AI technologies are being employed in various applications within gynaecology, from image analysis to predictive modeling and personalized medicine. Dr. Majumdar notes, "In the next 5-10 years, we can expect AI to become even more integral to gynaecology, with potential applications in areas including robotic-assisted surgery, fertility treatment optimization, and menopause management."

The ongoing evolution of AI in obstetrics is particularly significant. Dr. Sunita Tendulwadkar, President of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, describes AI as analogous to a "trusty assistant" that can empower healthcare providers to deliver safer, more personalized care. "AI is the stethoscope of the 21st century," she asserts, acknowledging its potential to enhance medical practice while maintaining that it cannot replace the human elements of empathy and judgment in medicine.

A significant advancement in AI applications is its ability to predict complications during pregnancy. Dr. Tendulwadkar elaborates on this, stating that AI models built from routine antenatal data can identify risks such as pre-eclampsia weeks ahead of traditional scoring systems. Additionally, AI-powered ultrasound machines equipped with 'auto-measure' features can capture standard fetal planes in seconds, significantly aiding in the efficiency of fetal assessments.

In practical clinical settings, AI is also proving beneficial in monitoring fetal health during labor. Dr. Bandana Sodhi, Director of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Fortis La Femme, Delhi, notes that real-time AI-powered monitoring can lead to an 82% reduction in stillbirths by promptly detecting abnormalities in fetal heart rates. Furthermore, AI's role extends to enhancing the diagnosis of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and managing menopausal symptoms, as highlighted by Dr. Majumdar.

Despite the promising potential of AI in obstetrics and gynaecology, there are critical concerns regarding the technology's limitations. Dr. Helai Gupta, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Artemis Daffodils, Delhi, argues that while AI can assist in data analysis and diagnosis, its practical utility may still be limited in clinical settings. She emphasizes the need for AI systems to be fine-tuned to local conditions and patient demographics to ensure they effectively address the diverse needs of Indian women.

Moreover, privacy and ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in healthcare cannot be overlooked. According to Dr. Majumdar, the reliance on sensitive patient data necessitates stringent measures to protect against unauthorized access. She stresses the importance of obtaining patient consent to foster trust in AI applications within healthcare. Additionally, there is a risk of bias in AI algorithms, which could lead to unequal treatment outcomes for certain patient populations if the systems are trained on biased data.

In the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF), AI is making notable strides as well. Fertility specialists, such as Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, Medical Director at Bloom IVF, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, highlight that AI can optimize embryo selection and treatment processes, thereby enhancing overall success rates in assisted reproduction. As seen in a recent case in the United States, AI technology was instrumental in identifying viable sperm for fertilization, demonstrating AI's potential to address complex fertility challenges.

In conclusion, the integration of AI into obstetrics and gynaecology holds significant promise for enhancing patient care and improving clinical outcomes. However, as these technologies continue to evolve, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to address the ethical implications, privacy concerns, and potential biases associated with AI usage. The future of AI in women's healthcare will likely depend on a collaborative approach that combines technological advancements with the irreplaceable qualities of human intuition and compassion.