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Perinatologists vs. obstetricians: Key differences explained

 In the field of maternal care, both obstetricians and perinatologists play important roles. However, their expertise and practice focus on different aspects of pregnancy management. For healthcare professionals, understanding these differences is crucial for efficient patient referral and care.

The obstetrician

An obstetrician is a medical doctor specialising in the care of pregnant women, the delivery of babies, and the management of postpartum issues. They provide comprehensive care throughout the pregnancy journey, from preconception counselling to postpartum care. Obstetricians are skilled in dealing with normal pregnancies and are prepared to handle common complications.

The perinatologist

A perinatologist is a subspecialist in obstetrics with advanced expertise in high-risk pregnancies. Perinatologists are also called maternal-foetal medicine (MFM) specialists or high-risk OBGYNs. They focus on pregnancies in which the pregnant woman or baby experiences health complications. They help treat pre existing conditions as well as conditions caused by pregnancy.

They also care for women who face unexpected problems that develop during pregnancy, such as early labour, bleeding, or high blood pressure. Perinatologists can offer more advanced testing for congenital disorders and provide information on how certain pregnancy conditions affect the baby.

Key differences in treatments: Perinatologist vs. standard obstetrician

General obstetricians manage deliveries and provide general gynaecological care. On the other hand, perinatologists further specialise in medical and surgical complications of pregnancy that can affect the mother and in diagnosing and managing complex foetal conditions, such as genetic abnormalities. However, perinatologists often work closely with general obstetricians to provide a comprehensive care plan for patients.

We hope you find this information useful. If you are an OBG professional aiming to excel in managing high-risk obstetrics, StudyHRO is here to assist. We offer a range of short and long-term courses designed to enhance your skills in managing high-risk pregnancies. For more details, please feel free to contact us.