The period before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after childbirth is a complex and detailed process for the mother. Couples planning a pregnancy should first be examined by a gynecologist.
Perinatology is defined as the branch of medicine that focuses on identifying risk factors that may develop during pregnancy, at birth, or after delivery, taking necessary precautions, ensuring high-quality pregnancy follow-up, and implementing measures to protect the health of the mother and baby during the four weeks following birth, in accordance with international medical standards.
Perinatology is a subspecialty within the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Also known in medical literature as Maternal-Fetal Medicine, perinatology typically addresses conditions such as managing the effects of existing maternal health problems during pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, recurrent pregnancy losses, preterm labor, fetal growth restrictions, and miscarriage risks.
Today, couples who wish to experience a conscious and well-managed pregnancy often plan their journey under the guidance of a perinatologist. Perinatology specialists, who play a more active role particularly in high-risk pregnancies, begin by evaluating the potential risk factors present during pregnancy.
Potential risk factors during pregnancy may include:
There are certain conditions in which consulting a perinatologist becomes necessary. These can be classified as pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy. Before pregnancy, if the expectant mother has heart disease, kidney disease, liver or intestinal disorders, diabetes, thyroid disease, or infectious diseases, it may be necessary to consult a perinatologist to protect the health of both mother and baby.
During pregnancy, referral to a perinatologist is also recommended in cases such as abnormal results in first-trimester screening, triple or quadruple tests, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies, or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) detected in the fetus.
A perinatologist has the expertise to perform advanced ultrasound screenings for the early detection of fetal anomalies, screen for chromosomal abnormalities, prevent miscarriages, recurrent pregnancy losses, and stillbirths, manage preterm labor, identify complications in multiple pregnancies, and oversee high-risk pregnancy monitoring. For this reason, a perinatologist is considered a doctor for both the baby and the mother.
Perinatology may also be referred to as High-Risk Pregnancy Medicine or Maternal-Fetal Medicine. It is a subspecialty of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
According to a regulation issued by the Turkish Ministry of Health on July 18, 2009, perinatology has become a certified subspecialty in Turkey. Obstetricians and gynecologists who pass the subspecialty exam and successfully complete three years of training earn the title of Perinatologist.
A perinatology specialist evaluates risks related to pregnancy and childbirth in women who are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, especially those with high-risk conditions. They assess potential maternal and fetal complications before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and in the first four weeks after delivery. They establish prenatal diagnoses, develop treatment and monitoring plans, perform invasive procedures when necessary, and manage treatments during and after birth.
Many of the risks associated with high-risk pregnancies are determined by genetics, age, and lifestyle. It's important to minimize negative influences such as smoking, obesity, and medication use. Exercise, stress management techniques, and lifestyle changes can help reduce these risks. Some risks associated with maternal health conditions, pregnancy-specific complications, or problems affecting only the baby require close monitoring, management, and treatment by a perinatologist.
Also known as a detailed or Level II Ultrasound, this advanced imaging examination is typically performed by a perinatologist between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy. This screening evaluates whether there are any abnormalities in the baby's development or appearance. The examination, which lasts approximately 40–45 minutes, uses a high-resolution, state-of-the-art ultrasound device. Afterward, a comprehensive report is provided, including all fetal measurements, growth parameters, normal or abnormal findings, and related recommendations.
Prof. Dr. Nilgün TurhanGynecology, Obstetrics and IVF Treatment Specialist
PROF. DR. NILGÜN TURHAN
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