What does an MFM do?

A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is a doctor who helps take care of women having complicated or high-risk pregnancies. These doctors are obstetricians who also completed 3 extra years of training in high-risk pregnancy. They are also called perinatologists and high-risk pregnancy doctors.

What kind of doctor is an MFM?

Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) physicians are high-risk pregnancy experts, specializing in the un-routine. For moms-to-be with chronic health problems, we work with other specialists in an office or hospital setting to keep mom healthy as her body changes and her baby grows.

What happens at a MFM appointment?

Your MFM physician will review any medical records, surgical history, medications or environmental exposures, and prenatal labs or screening tests that may have been done. A family history is also important to mention, if you have any concerns, so that the physician can have a complete picture of your health.

Who needs to see a MFM?

Healthy women may also need to see a MFM sub-specialist….

• Pregnant with multiple babies (twins, triplets, or more)
• Recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Suspected fetal growth restriction (baby not growing properly)
• Evidence of possible birth defects.

Do MFMS perform surgery?

Some procedures are performed endoscopically, through tiny incisions using cameras, such as for twin pregnancy or other fetal anomalies. In other conditions, the MFM opens the uterus to perform fetal surgery for birth defects such as spina bifida.

What is a high risk Obgyn called?

If your pregnancy is considered high risk, your doctor may refer you to a perinatologist. Also called a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, a perinatologist is an obstetrician with special training in high-risk pregnancy care.

Do MFM deliver babies?

We often work with a patient’s regular obstetrician to develop a care plan and perform ultrasounds and consultations throughout the pregnancy. Though a patient may have several appointments with the maternal-fetal medicine specialist, the obstetrician will continue to manage the pregnancy and deliver the baby.

Does MFM do surgery?

Maternal–fetal medicine specialists are physicians who subspecialize within the field of obstetrics. Their training typically includes a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology followed by a three-year fellowship. They may perform prenatal tests, provide treatments, and perform surgeries.

Why would my Obgyn refer me to a perinatologist?

Perinatologists are also known as maternal-fetal medicine specialists. They can work in a clinic or hospital, as well as private practice. Your obstetrician will likely refer you to a perinatologist if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

Can Down syndrome be detected at 12 week ultrasound?

The First Trimester Test is performed between 10 and 13 completed weeks of pregnancy to screen for Down syndrome – this test is not used to screen for open neural tube defects. It combines information from an ultrasound examination of your baby with maternal blood analysis. It is suitable for women of all ages.

What is MFM ultrasound?

An ultrasound done by a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) clinic is different. A scan done in the hospital or at your obstetrician’s office may be a very good one. Even so, MFM sonographers are specially trained to understand maternal and fetal physiology, and to be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal.

Do MFM doctors do C sections?

Labor and delivery MFMs work with other OB care providers to ensure high-quality care during labor and childbirth. We provide expert advice on when to induce labor, when and how to monitor the fetal heart rate, and whether a cesarean delivery is indicated.