From the Guidelines
The perinatal period is defined as the time frame extending from the 28th week of pregnancy through the first 28 days after birth, encompassing late pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. This definition is crucial for understanding the risks and challenges associated with this period, as complications during this time can lead to significant morbidity and mortality for both mother and child 1. The perinatal period is significant because it is a time of unique physiological challenges and health risks for both the mother and the baby. For the mother, this includes labor and delivery complications, postpartum hemorrhage, and the beginning of recovery from childbirth. For the infant, it involves the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, including establishing independent breathing, circulation, and feeding. Some key aspects of the perinatal period include:
- Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, which contribute substantially to maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality 1
- The need for close management of women with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia during the peripartum period 1
- The importance of specialized medical care and monitoring throughout the perinatal period to prevent long-term health consequences or mortality for both mother and child. Key considerations for healthcare providers during this period include:
- Early diagnosis and adequate treatment of hypertensive disorders 1
- The use of antihypertensive drugs, such as labetalol and nifedipine, for the management of hypertensive emergencies during pregnancy 1
- The prevention of eclampsia and treatment of seizures with magnesium sulfate, while avoiding concomitant use with calcium channel blockers 1.
From the Research
Definition of Perinatal Period
- The perinatal period is defined as the time frame from 22 completed weeks of gestation to 7 completed days after birth, according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) 2.
- However, some studies define the perinatal period as starting at 20 completed weeks of gestation and ending 27 completed days after birth, as used in Australia 3.
- Another definition used is from 28 completed weeks of gestation or more and early neonatal deaths younger than age 7 days, as used in the context of perinatal mortality rates in the United States 4, 5.
- A broader definition encompasses the time frame from one year before to 18 to 24 months after the birth of the child, as mentioned in the context of parent-infant communication and prevention of child abuse and neglect 6.
Variations in Definition
- The variation in definitions may affect the comparison of perinatal mortality rates across different countries and studies.
- The World Health Organization defines the perinatal period as starting at 22 completed weeks of gestation and ending seven completed days after birth, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes infant deaths under age 7 days and fetal deaths at 28 weeks of gestation or more 3.
- The choice of definition may depend on the specific context and purpose of the study, such as evaluating maternal and child health or analyzing perinatal mortality rates.