What does the term "intrapartum" refer to in obstetrics?

The term "intrapartum" specifically refers to the time period during labor and delivery. It encompasses the onset of labor through the stages of delivery, which includes the contractions and physiological changes occurring as the body prepares to birth the baby. Understanding this term is essential for professionals in obstetrics, as it guides their care and interventions during this critical time for both the mother and the infant.

In contrast, the prenatal care phase focuses on the health and wellness of the mother and developing fetus before labor begins, while the postnatal recovery period pertains to the time following the birth, concentrating on the physical and emotional recovery of the mother and the care of the newborn. The first trimester of pregnancy includes the initial three months of gestation, highlighting early fetal development rather than the labor process. Thus, the focus on labor and delivery is what distinguishes "intrapartum" from these other phases in obstetrics.