Perinatology Basics
What is "perinatology"?
Perinatology is a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology that involves the care provided to the mother during her pregnancy. Those pregnancies are generally considered to be high-risk either because of a problem experienced by the mother or by the fetus. Physicians that practice in the area of perinatology are also referred to as maternal-fetal medicine specialists and have acquired additional education beyond their ob-gyn training.
What is a "high-risk pregnancy"?
A high-risk pregnancy is a very broad term. It refers to any pregnancy that has additional risks, either involving the mother's health or the foetus's health, that would require the expertise of a physician with training in that area. High-risk pregnancies usually involve additional pre-natal visits, additional testing and a higher level of surveillance.
What are the conditions that make pregnancy high risk?
Some of the conditions that make a pregnancy high risk relate to the mother's health, either prior to pregnancy, or problems she may develop during pregnancy. One of the more common problems that a mother may experience that would lead her to be considered high risk is diabetes -- either diabetes before pregnancy, or diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Other medical illnesses that the mother may have that would lead her pregnancy to be high risk include respiratory problems such as asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. Thyroid disease is another common problem. High risk pregnancies are also diagnosed if the developing foetus has any problems. That would include disorders of growth, if the foetus appears to be growing at a slower rate than expected, or if the pregnancy is complicated by other foetal complications, including identified malformations that the foetus has been shown to have.
What is the "perinatal period"?
The perinatal period technically refers to the period before and during the birth process, from "peri" - early on - and "natal" - birth. The area of perinatology truly does encompass the entire pregnancy and the first six to eight weeks after delivery.
