Perinatology is the medical specialty that focuses on the health of the mother and fetus from the beginning of pregnancy to the postpartum period. This field is concerned with identifying, preventing, and treating various risks during pregnancy to protect and improve the health of both the mother and the baby. Perinatologists manage high-risk pregnancies and provide specialized care for the mother and fetus.

Perinatologists collaborate with obstetricians, geneticists, and other healthcare professionals to provide the most appropriate and safe care for both the mother and the baby. They aim to positively influence the outcomes of high-risk pregnancies.

The practices of a perinatologist include:

• Managing high-risk pregnancies: Perinatologists deal with situations that pose risks to the mother and baby. Conditions such as advanced age, chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), pregnancy-related complications, or problems in previous pregnancies can lead to high-risk pregnancies. Specialists monitor these pregnancies and determine appropriate treatment and follow-up methods.

• Ultrasonography: Perinatologists use ultrasonography to visually examine the fetus in the womb, assessing its development, anatomy, and potential problems. Ultrasonography is an important tool for early diagnosis and treatment.

• Genetic counseling: Perinatologists follow pregnancies with a risk of genetic diseases or disorders inherited from the parents and provide genetic counseling. This counseling helps couples understand the risks and options.

• Fetal monitoring: Specialists regularly monitor the fetus, especially for conditions such as growth restriction, infection, or abnormalities.

• Management of pregnancy complications: Perinatologists manage potential complications that arise during pregnancy, such as the threat of preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

• Amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and fetal blood sampling (cordocentesis): In pregnancies with a high risk of genetic anomalies, perinatologists perform invasive prenatal tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling for fetal chromosome analysis.

• Fetal blood transfusion: They can perform blood transfusions to the fetus if necessary.

• Anomaly screening: They assess the risk of fetal anomalies using methods such as ultrasonography and blood tests and attempt to detect such conditions.