perinatal

adjective

peri·​na·​tal ˌper-ə-ˈnā-tᵊl How to pronounce perinatal (audio)
: occurring in, concerned with, or being in the period around the time of birth
perinatal mortality
perinatal care
perinatally
ˌper-ə-ˈnā-tᵊl-(l)ē How to pronounce perinatal (audio)
adverb

Examples of perinatal in a Sentence

The doctor took steps to prevent perinatal infection.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Myriad programs across the state support perinatal women at different points along their journey. — Mary C. Mayhew, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026 Postpartum depression is often used as a shorthand for any perinatal mood disorder, which can include anxiety and OCD. — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 27 June 2026 After her postpartum experience and realizing that there were few therapists trained in this speciality in her area, Pham obtained training in perinatal mental health and now has a practice treating moms. — Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 22 May 2026 The group had been working recently on draft guidelines for alcohol screening, cervical cancer self-swabs, perinatal depression and vitamin D supplementation. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for perinatal

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perinatal was in 1944

Rhymes for perinatal

See All Rhymes for perinatal

Browse Nearby Words

perimysium
perinatal
perinatology
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perinatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perinatal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

perinatal

adjective
peri·​na·​tal -ˈnāt-ᵊl How to pronounce perinatal (audio)
: occurring in, concerned with, or being in the period around the time of birth
perinatal mortality
perinatal care
perinatally
-ᵊl-(l)ē How to pronounce perinatal (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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