Perinatal for Dummies

Perinatal is a word that refers to the time period surrounding the birth of a baby, both before and after. It includes the weeks leading up to the birth, as well as the first few weeks after the baby is born. So, when we talk about the perinatal period, we are talking about everything that happens to the baby and the mother during this crucial time. It's sort of like a special bubble of time that is focused on the well-being of the baby and making sure everything goes smoothly during and after the birth.

During the perinatal period, a lot of important things happen. For example, the baby grows and develops inside the mother's womb, getting all the nutrients and oxygen it needs from the mother's placenta. The mother's body also goes through many changes to support the growing baby, like expanding her belly and making sure that the baby is safe and protected.

Perinatal is an important word to know because it helps us understand that the time around birth is a critical period of development. It reminds us how essential it is for both the baby and the mother to receive proper care and attention during this time. When we use the word "perinatal," we are talking about all the special things that need to happen to make sure the baby has the best start to life and that the mother stays healthy too.