Letter P

Perinatologist

6 views

An obstetrical subspecialist concerned with the care of the mother and fetus at higher-than-normal risk for complications.

Since the perinatal period, depending on the definition, starts at the 20th to 28th week of gestation and ends 1 to 4 weeks after birth, a perinatologist logically could be a obstetrician or pediatrician but, in practice, a perinatologist is an obstetrician.

The comparable area of pediatrics is neonatology.

A high-risk baby might be cared for by a perinatologist before birth and by a neonatologist after birth.

The word 'perinatologist' is a linguistic sandwich of the Greek 'peri-' meaning 'around or about', 'natal' from the Latin 'natus' meaning 'born' and 'ologist' from the Greek 'logos' meaning 'student of.

Share this definition

Medical disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice in any way.

  • It does not replace the advice of a physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
  • It does not represent a prescription of drugs, diagnostic exams or therapies.
  • In case of symptoms, doubts or concerns about your health, always consult a qualified physician.

In case of emergency call 911 (US) or 112 (EU).