Legal Definitions - perinatal

The term perinatal refers to the critical period spanning from approximately the 12th week of pregnancy (gestation) through the first 28 days of a baby's life after birth. This timeframe encompasses the later stages of fetal development, the process of childbirth, and the immediate adjustment period for the newborn.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of the term:

• Medical Malpractice Claim: A family files a lawsuit alleging that medical negligence during labor and delivery caused a severe brain injury to their child, which was diagnosed within the first week after birth. This situation falls squarely within the perinatal period because the alleged negligence occurred during childbirth, and the injury manifested shortly thereafter, both events taking place within the defined timeframe.

• Public Health Study: A university research team conducts a study to investigate the long-term health impacts of maternal nutrition on infants. They track participants from their second trimester of pregnancy, through delivery, and continue monitoring the babies' health for the first month of life. This research specifically focuses on outcomes and interventions during the perinatal period to understand its influence on early childhood development.

• Insurance Coverage for Complications: An individual's health insurance policy includes a clause that covers specific medical complications or congenital conditions that are identified or arise during the perinatal period. This means the policy would provide benefits for issues diagnosed anytime from the 12th week of pregnancy up to 28 days following the baby's birth, highlighting the specific window of coverage.