Neonatal-perinatal medicine is concerned with the maintenance of health and long-term development of the fetus, neonate, and infant, requiring special knowledge, skills and attitudes for the prevention, diagnosis and management of disorders of this patient population.

A neonatologist provides comprehensive care for critically ill premature and full-term infants from birth until discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Neonatologists often begin their work by providing antenatal consultation in the context of preterm labor or a fetus who has one or more congenital anomalies that require preparation for the birth and coordination of services. In addition to the day-to-day management of critically ill infants, neonatologists also attend high-risk deliveries, providing supportive care of infants from birth, and frequently perform technical procedures such as endotracheal intubation and placement of central venous and arterial catheters.