Final answer:
To identify perinatal risk factors, healthcare professionals should inquire about prenatal care, the mother's medical history and risk behaviors, environmental exposure risks, and the nutritional intake including folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To identify perinatal risk factors effectively, healthcare professionals may ask several vital questions:
- Has the mother had access to adequate prenatal care, and has her health and the fetus's health been monitored regularly?
- What is the mother's medical history, including any previous pregnancies, existing medical conditions, or risk behaviors that could affect the pregnancy?
- Are there any environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic substances like lead, that could potentially harm the fetal development?
- How has the mother's nutritional intake been throughout the pregnancy, and has she been advised to take supplements like folic acid to help prevent certain birth defects?
These questions can help uncover potential risk factors that might lead to complications during the perinatal period.