A perinatologist is a doctor who assists women who experience high risk pregnancies and they are slightly different from a regular gynecologist. The gynecologist might refer her patients to a perinatologist if she finds through tests that her patients’ pregnancies are high risk. As for training, the perinatologist will have completed her bachelor’s degree along with four years of medical school and four years of obstetrics residency. In addition to this the perinatologist would need to get a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine.

Which Women Are Considered High Risk?

Expectant mothers who are over age 35 might need the care of a perinatologist because generally it is at this age that the chances of a baby born with birth defects increase. Women who are having multiples such as twins or triplets are often referred to a perinatologist and women with a history of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease would be seen by a perinatologist.

Specifics of the Job

During your initial meetings with expectant mothers, you would look over and discuss the mother’s medical history. After you do this, you would perform a blood test or ultrasound to determine if there are abnormalities in the unborn child’s development. You answer questions that the mother has, and you also advise her on ways that she can have a healthy birth experience despite her high risk or age. Generally you would work mostly during daytime hours and you might work at a hospital or obstetrician’s office.

Salary of a Perinatologist

A perinatologist’s salary is dependent on several factors which include your years of experience, education and training, location and who you’re employed by. The average yearly salary of perinatologists ranges from $400,00 to $500,000. However, some perinatologists might earn less than this based on the above mentioned factors.

Advantages of Perinatology

There are rewards of working in this field. You get the opportunity to help at-risk expectant mothers deliver their babies safely, and you ensure that those babies are born happy and healthy. You are an advocate of high-risk expectant mothers on a regular basis and there is a sense of gratification in this kind of work. On the downside, there are occasions where you cannot save the mother’s or baby’s life. In conclusion, if you enjoy working with families, this would be an excellent career for you.