Perinatology - Modern Trends in Obstetrics

Overview

Classical obstetrics were characterized even in the first half of the 20th century by a markedconservative, expectative approach due to the high risk of surgical operations for mother andfoetus. The majority of deliveries took place in homes under supervision of a maternity nurseand not infrequently even serious complications had to be dealt with not only by obstetriciansbut also by knowledgeable family doctors. The prolonged time factor however had frequentlyan adverse influence on the results of a protracted or surgical delivery. After the second worldwar greater safety for the mother was sought in clinical institutional deliveries which were toensure among others a reduced perinatal mortality and morbidity of foetuses and neonates.Despite a certain success of these provisions, the favourable results stagnated soon. Only thenew comprehensive and preventive trend concentrated on the principles of modern perinatolo-gy, created suitable prerequisites for influencing in a substantial way classical obstetrics. Afterresearch and preparatory work in the sixties and seventies perinatology developed, comprisingalso modern prenatal, foetal and neonatal medicine, in collaboration of obstetricians andpaediatricians, in our country as well as abroad. In the course of years the maternal mortalitydropped to a minimum, the perinatal mortality declined to one tenth of the prewar figures andin the majority of women with chronic disorders and diseases a safe course of pregnancy andbirth of a healthy neonate was made possible. Eventually also the number neonates with inborndefects declined and prerequisite conditions were created for their radical reduction. Verysuccessful was also the work of specialized paediatricians-neonatologists in the care of imma-ture and sick neonates.

Key words:
obstetrics - perinatology - prenatal medicine - foetal medicine - neonatal medicine.