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Perinatologist
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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A perinatologist is a doctor who studies the period of pregnancy from the 28th week until birth and the health of the mother and baby for 7 days after birth.
Who is a perinatologist?
A doctor who monitors the course of pregnancy in the late stages and identifies congenital pathologies. In addition to medical knowledge, he must have a certain set of personal qualities: the ability to listen, delicacy, understanding, compassion, tact.
A perinatologist tells a woman how to eat properly, how to prepare for childbirth, get rid of fear, about the psychology of a newborn and the peculiarities of breastfeeding. Now it has become possible to give birth in the presence of a husband and at home. A perinatologist or perinatal psychologist is especially necessary if a woman has chosen not a maternity hospital as a place to give birth, but wants to give birth at home or in water. A perinatologist can work with the relatives of the pregnant woman. A perinatologist organizes the right care for the child, forms the right maternal behavior.
When should you contact a perinatologist?
A perinatal specialist should be consulted in all cases of neonatal asphyxia, birth injuries, lung problems and infections.
Also, a perinatologist consultation is absolutely necessary in case of multiple pregnancy, pregnancy after 40 years, habitual miscarriage and developmental defects detected by ultrasound. If necessary, invasive studies of amniotic fluid may be prescribed.
What does a perinatologist do?
A perinatologist is involved in identifying congenital pathologies and disorders in a child that arise as a result of childbirth.
What diseases does a perinatologist treat?
These are, first of all, asphyxia of newborns, birth injuries to the central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, abdominal cavity and intrauterine infections.
Advice from a perinatologist
- A long exhalation phase is interwoven into the breathing of a sleeping baby. Oxygen deficiency occurs. Reflexive trembling occurs.
- A sleeping child spends 50-60% of his time moving. Do not hinder the baby's motor activity, do not swaddle him tightly.
- Keep your baby afloat while bathing. There are special swimming training centers for infants. This is very beneficial for their development.
- Encourage the free development of your baby's abilities and encourage his physical activity.
A perinatologist helps a woman survive pregnancy and childbirth, and forms the baby’s physical health and mental health.