Medical and social work in perinatal centers and antenatal clinics: the case of the city of Petrozavodsk

The article addresses the importance of medical and social work in perinatal centers and antenatal clinics. The authors note that along with medical care, women need social support and advice on parenting, child-raising and child’s health. The work is based on the results of a survey of patients of some medical institutions in the city of Petrozavodsk. The obtained data demonstrate the need to expand both social and legal counseling for women and the range of provided social services and social assistance. In conclusion, the authors substantiate the need for the presence of a social work specialist in medical institutions providing obstetric and gynecological care, and emphasize the relevance of integrating medical and social work into medical care to achieve the best results in protecting maternal and child health.