Expert consensus on the definition of perinatal period in China
Chinese Society of Perinatal Medicine, Chinese Medical Association; Neonatologists Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association; Perinatal Medicine Committee, Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine
China has adopted the perinatal definitionⅠsince 1981. After nearly half a century, with remarkable progress achieved in maternal and child health in China, the definition of perinatal period should be updated accordingly. The key revision focuses on the lower limit of gestational age, which is directly
related to the definition of preterm infants and further affects the willingness to treat extremely preterm infant (EPI). This has led to the abandonment of most EPI in delivery rooms and restricted the improvement of related treatment technologies. The EPI population exists objectively and the core clinical dilemma lies in whether to initiate rescue treatment or not. The updated perinatal definition embodies strategic positioning, establishing the long-term goal of attempting rescue for all viable infants. Suggestions on the gestational age cut-off and birth settings for extremely premature infants to receive intensive care serve as a current tactical standard, clarifying the mandatory rescue target and advancing EPI care in China to a new developmental stage.
[J]. 发育医学电子杂志, 2026, 14(3): 177-180.
Chinese Society of Perinatal Medicine, Chinese Medical Association, Neonatologists Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Perinatal Medicine Committee, Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine.
Expert consensus on the definition of perinatal period in China
. Journal of Developmental Medicine(Electronic Version), 2026, 14(3): 177-180.
2026, Vol. 14 
