What is the definition of the perinatal period?

From the Guidelines

The perinatal period is defined as the time frame from before birth through the 28th day following birth, according to the most recent and relevant guidelines. This definition is crucial for understanding the critical period surrounding birth, where maternal, foetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality are significant concerns 1. The perinatal period encompasses the last month of gestation and the first few months after delivery, although for coding and reporting purposes, it is specifically defined as the period before birth through the 28th day following birth. Key aspects of this period include:

• Close management of women with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia
• Monitoring of fetal development, maternal health, labor progression, and the newborn's adaptation to life outside the womb
• Significant physiological changes in both the mother and newborn
• Potential for long-lasting effects on both maternal and infant health due to complications arising during this time. The definition provided in the study by 1 is the most relevant and recent, and it guides clinical practice and research in the field of perinatal care.

From the Research

Definition of Perinatal Period

The perinatal period is a term used to describe a specific time frame surrounding the birth of a child. According to 2, this period is broadly defined as the time from one year before to 18 to 24 months after the birth of the child.

Key Characteristics

Some key characteristics of the perinatal period include:

• A window of opportunity for enhancing parent-infant communication and preventing child abuse and neglect 2
• A time of high risk for maternal and perinatal complications, particularly for pregnancies delivered at extremely low gestational ages 3
• A period during which drug therapy may be required to manage maternal and fetal complications 4
• A time of varying risks for perinatal mortality, neonatal morbidity, and maternal adverse outcomes, depending on gestational age 5

Special Considerations

Special considerations during the perinatal period include:

• The unique mental health needs of LGBTQ2S+ childbearing individuals, who may face systems-level inequities and exclusion from perinatal care 6
• The importance of provider education, cultural humility, and tailored care to address the needs of diverse populations during the perinatal period 6