Understanding Perinatology & Why You Might Need One During Pregnancy

Question
After passing the first time, I was re-tested for gestational diabetes this week (34 weeks), and failed.  The ob is sending me to both a nutritionist and a perinatologist next week.  I understand the nutritionist, but what is a perinatologist, and what is the visit likely to include?  I'm curious why I'd see a specialist this late in my pregnancy.  I started pre-term labor at 33 weeks, so the ob told me I could "go at anytime."  What are your thoughts?

Answer
A perinatologist is a specialist in fetal-maternal medicine. Hw is a "high risk" doctor for pregnant women. If you have suddenly developed gestestational diabetes, you run the risk of fetal death, preterm pregnancy, macrosomia, stillbirth. I don't know what prompted your doctor to re-do the glucose tolerance test at 34 weeks. Perhaps it was due to the pre-term labor that you described. Perhaps your weight is too high or too low. (The nutritionist can help with that). The perinatologist will take a history and offer you some suggestions on a healthy baby.