Perinatal period

Perinatal period refers to the period occurring around the time of birth, specifically from the 20th to 28th week of gestation to 1 to 4 weeks after birth. The term perinatal is derived from the Greek "peri-", meaning "around" and "natal", meaning "birth".

The perinatal period is a critical time for both the mother and the baby, with significant physiological changes and potential health risks. It is a time of significant medical attention and healthcare intervention, with a focus on ensuring the health and wellbeing of both mother and baby.

Definition

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the perinatal period as starting at the 22nd completed week (154 days) of gestation (the time when birth weight is normally 500 g), and ending seven completed days after birth. However, there are regional and historical variations in this definition. In clinical practice, the perinatal period often extends from 20 weeks of gestation to up to 28 days after birth.

Physiological changes

During the perinatal period, both the mother and the baby undergo significant physiological changes. For the mother, these changes include alterations in hormone levels, increased blood volume, and changes in cardiovascular function. For the baby, the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life involves significant changes in respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems.

Health risks

The perinatal period is a time of potential health risks for both the mother and the baby. These risks include preterm birth, low birth weight, birth trauma, and perinatal mortality. Maternal risks include complications from pregnancy and childbirth, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression.

Healthcare intervention

Healthcare intervention during the perinatal period is focused on ensuring the health and wellbeing of both mother and baby. This includes regular prenatal check-ups, nutritional counseling, screening for potential complications, and postnatal care.

See also

• Prenatal development
• Childbirth
• Postnatal period
• Neonatology
• Obstetrics

References

Perinatal period Resources
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