Pediatrics and Neonatology

Neonatology and Perinatology

Neonatology focuses on newly conceived newborns, as well as those who are frequently unwell or die prematurely. Children with birth defects or who are born prematurely are treated in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and assisted by a neonatologist during delivery and newborn care. A neonatologist works in an unexpected and high-risk environment that a normal pediatrician may not be as prepared to deal with.

Perinatology, also known as maternal-fetal medicine, specializes in managing high-risk pregnancies and fetal health, straddling obstetrics and pediatrics. The perinatal period, starting between weeks 20-28 of pregnancy and ending between weeks 1-4 post-birth, is a subspecialty of obstetrics. Neonatology, a related pediatric subspecialty, addresses newborns with similar precision.