What term is used to refer to the period before birth?

The term "prenatal" specifically refers to the period before birth, encompassing the time from conception until the start of labor. This term is often used in the context of healthcare and education to focus on the health and development of the fetus during pregnancy. Prenatal care is critical, as it includes regular check-ups and screenings to ensure both the mother and the developing baby are healthy.

The choice of "antepartum" also pertains to the time before birth, but it is often used less frequently in clinical settings compared to "prenatal." "Gestational" refers more generally to the period of pregnancy but does not specifically define the phase prior to delivery. "Pediatric," on the other hand, pertains to the medical care of infants and children after birth, making it not applicable to the time before birth. Thus, "prenatal" is the most accurate term for describing the period leading up to childbirth.