The place for neonatologist in proper perinatal care - commentary

Abstract

The neonatal specialty is different from that of pediatrics as it requires (among other differences) the knowledge of fetal development in terms of physiology and pathology. The neonatologist knows the importance and impact that suboptimal conditions during intrauterine growth have on the baby’s condition at birth. They must anticipate the child’s needs and know what complications can be expected. This is a fundamental issue, because without being able to predict complications, one is unable to counter them, and if they occur, they usually leave a mark in the child’s future condition. The neonatologist should not, and can not say he is uninterested in the future of his young patient, that it is a matter for pediatricians, parents, etc. Let's see how things look in practice.