Perinatal vs. Prenatal — What's the Difference?

Perinatal pertains to the time period shortly before and after birth, typically encompassing several weeks. It is a critical phase for both mother and child, often including medical care to ensure health and safety through the birth process. Prenatal, however, strictly refers to the time before birth, focusing on the development of the fetus and the health of the pregnant individual. The prenatal period is vital for preventative care and fetal assessments.

While perinatal care is designed to manage and monitor the health of the mother and the neonate during delivery and the immediate postpartum period, prenatal care focuses on the health and development of the fetus and the management of health issues during pregnancy. Both perinatal and prenatal are crucial for maternal and child health but at different stages of the childbirth process.

Perinatal complications can influence long-term outcomes for both the infant and the mother. Prenatal care aims to identify and mitigate potential health risks before they can impact the perinatal period. The distinction lies in the timing relative to the birth itself, with perinatal encompassing the birth and prenatal coming before it.

The support provided during the perinatal period often includes dealing with immediate post-birth concerns such as breastfeeding and newborn care. In contrast, prenatal care might involve genetic testing, nutrition counseling, and management of chronic conditions to prepare for a safe perinatal experience.

Perinatal services might also include care for preterm infants or addressing birth complications, whereas prenatal services could include educational classes on childbirth and parenting, alongside monitoring the pregnancy's progression. Despite the different focuses of perinatal and prenatal periods, both aim to support the health of the mother and child.