Collaborative Specialties
Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM)
What is Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM)?
Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) is a specialized branch of obstetrics that focuses on managing the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies, particularly those facing high-risk factors. MFM specialists play a crucial role in providing expert care before, during, and after pregnancy.
Maternal Fetal Medicine vs. OB/GYN
An MFM specialist, also known as a perinatologist, is an OB/GYN who underwent traditional medical training in obstetrics and gynecology and can treat patients for pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. However, not all OB/GYNs are MFM specialists. A Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist undergoes an additional 3 years of training to specialize in diagnosing and treating maternal-fetal conditions and complications.
Services under Maternal Fetal Medicine
Patients seeking pregnancy with medical conditions are categorized as high-risk individuals who will benefit from personalized care under Maternal Fetal Medicine. Before beginning fertility treatments, it’s essential to undergo preconception counseling based on your primary fertility doctor’s recommendation. This step ensures a safer and healthier start to the pregnancy journey, benefiting both the individual and their future children. Consulting with a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist is recommended to receive expert insights and optimize fertility plans. The following are a few services that MFM specialists offer:
- Preconception Counseling
- Management of High-Risk Pregnancies
- Diabetes Management in Pregnancy
- Advanced Diagnostics and Treatments
- Advanced Maternal Age Care
- Management of Multiple Gestations
What is considered a high-risk pregnancy?
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy occurs when either the mother or the fetus faces an increased risk for an unsuccessful pregnancy due to health concerns and/or complications.
Factors That Make a Pregnancy High-Risk
High-risk pregnancies can result from various factors, including pre-existing or current medical conditions that affect gestation or conditions that develop during pregnancy.
Advanced Maternal Age
Pregnancies tend to be high-risk depending on the age of the mother. For instance, the risks are often higher in pregnant women who are 35 and older. Conversely, pregnancies in individuals under the age of 17 also carry higher risks due to anemia and are more likely to result in premature labor or birth.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are considered to have high-risk pregnancies.
Multiple Pregnancies
Multiple fetuses, twins or triplets, increase the risk of preeclampsia, high blood pressure, and the likelihood of preterm labor and delivery in pregnant women.
Conditions Developed During Pregnancy
Certain health conditions may develop during pregnancy, increasing the risks of an unsuccessful pregnancy. These conditions include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, as well as potential birth defects and genetic conditions in the fetus.
Previous Preterm Delivery
If an individual has had a history of preterm labor and delivery, it increases the likelihood of recurrence in the next pregnancy, making it high-risk.
High-Risk Pregnancy Diagnosis and Treatment
How to diagnose a high-risk pregnancy?
Fetal Echocardiogram
Performed by Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists or
pediatric cardiologists, fetal echocardiograms are specialized ultrasounds focused on the evaluation of the fetus’s heart, checking for the heart's structure, development, and function.
High-Risk Ultrasound
High-risk ultrasounds, also known as level 2 ultrasounds, are performed by MFM Specialists. Using advanced ultrasound equipment, the fetus's organs, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid levels, placenta location, and fetal heart rate are examined.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a procedure performed where a sample of the amniotic fluid is collected through an ultrasound-guided needle that is inserted into the amniotic sac. The fluid is screeded for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders.
Chorionic Villus Sampling
A sample of chorionic villus cells is collected from the placenta through a catheter that is guided by ultrasound. The cells are then screened to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders in the fetus.
How to manage a high-risk pregnancy?
Managing a high-risk pregnancy varies based on the specific condition or complication contributing to the increased risk. The following steps should be taken for the management of high-risk pregnancies:
- Frequent follow-ups with your OB
- Consultations and check-ups with your Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
- Level 2 ultrasounds for fetal monitoring
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Medications for preexisting conditions or conditions that arise during pregnancy