PERINATAL Meaning and
Definition
-
Perinatal refers to the period of time or events that occur shortly before and after birth. The term is primarily used in the medical field to describe the period spanning from the 20th week of pregnancy (the beginning of the third trimester) through the first few weeks after birth.
During the perinatal period, various physiological changes take place in both the mother and fetus. These changes include the development and maturation of organs, hormonal shifts, and the formation of crucial connections between the maternal and fetal blood supplies. The perinatal phase is crucial for the healthy development of the fetus as it transitions from being reliant on the mother's placenta for sustenance to functioning independently as an individual.
In terms of medical care, perinatal services encompass the prenatal care provided to expectant mothers, as well as the care given to newborns in the immediate postnatal period. These services aim to ensure the well-being and health of both the mother and infant, and include various health assessments, screenings, and interventions to prevent and address any complications that may arise during childbirth or shortly thereafter.
Overall, "perinatal" is a term that encompasses the timeline and events surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postnatal period, with a focus on the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
Common Misspellings for PERINATAL
Etymology of PERINATAL
The word "perinatal" originated from the combination of two Latin prefixes, "peri-" and "natalis".
The prefix "peri-" means "around" or "near", while "natalis" comes from the Latin word "natus", which means "birth" or "born".
When these two prefixes are combined, "perinatal" refers to the period of time immediately before and after childbirth.
Similar spelling words for PERINATAL
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
