Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Special Care for Mother and Baby
For expectant mothers, the prospect of having a baby is both a joyous and exciting one, and most pregnancies proceed smoothly. But for a number of reasons, some women need to be watched more closely during pregnancy. In this case, the woman's obstetrician may suggest she consult with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians, also called perinatologists, are obstetricians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of expectant mothers and their unborn babies, who may be at high risk for special health problems.
Women are generally referred to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist by their obstetrician or by an infertility specialist because he or she sees a potential for a pregnancy-related health concern or because a problem develops during the course of the pregnancy. Some women choose to see a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist on their own, without a referral from their obstetrician.
Referral to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist should not cause undue alarm for expectant mothers. It does not necessarily mean the pregnancy will be a difficult one. Nor does it mean the baby will have health problems. Most often, it is simply a precautionary measure designed to protect both mother and baby, while putting the expectant parents' minds at ease.
The Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist works hand-in-hand with the woman's obstetrician to develop a plan of care tailored to her personal needs and medical history. Though a woman may see a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist several times throughout her pregnancy, her own obstetrician will continue to manage the pregnancy and will deliver the baby. The Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist is usually not present at the birth, but may consult with a neonatologist—a pediatrician who specializes in care for newborns with special medical needs—before the delivery to make sure all necessary services are in place.
Services provided by Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians include maternal and fetal medical care, monitoring, ultrasound examinations, genetic counseling, diabetes education, state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, tests of fetal well being, and more. As the due date approaches, the Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician remains in close contact with the obstetrician who will deliver the baby and, if needed, the neonatologist who will oversee the baby's care after birth. Smooth teamwork and good communication between the Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, obstetrician, and neonatologist ensure both mother and baby receive the best possible care, leading to success in most cases, despite problems that can be severe.
