Pregnancy can involve complexities, necessitating specialized medical attention. Understanding the roles of different medical professionals involved in pregnancy care can help families navigate these situations.
What is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist?
A Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist is a physician extensively trained to manage complex and high-risk pregnancies. After four years of medical school, they complete a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology.
Following residency, an MFM specialist completes an additional two to three-year fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine. This fellowship focuses on the medical and surgical management of conditions affecting the pregnant person and the fetus. They are subspecialists within obstetrics and gynecology, often referred to as perinatologists.
MFM’s Involvement in Labor and Delivery
Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists are trained to deliver babies and frequently do, especially in situations involving heightened risk for the mother or infant. They possess expertise in navigating complex vaginal births and performing Cesarean sections under challenging conditions, such as placenta previa or fetal distress.
MFMs handle complications that may emerge during labor, like severe pre-eclampsia or the need for immediate neonatal resuscitation. They also manage postpartum issues such as excessive bleeding or infections. In a hospital setting, an MFM specialist may be the physician on call who manages labor and delivery, ensuring specialized care is available for patients with complex needs.
When to See an MFM
A referral to an MFM specialist is recommended when specific medical conditions or pregnancy complications are present. For the pregnant individual, this includes pre-existing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or heart conditions.
Fetal conditions that may prompt a referral include suspected birth defects, growth restrictions, or multiple gestations like twins, triplets, or higher-order pregnancies. MFMs provide advanced diagnostic testing, such as specialized ultrasounds, fetal echocardiograms, or genetic tests like amniocentesis, to assess and manage these situations. Consulting with an MFM can also be beneficial before pregnancy for individuals with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss or certain genetic risks.
Coordinated Care with Your OB/GYN
In most cases, an MFM specialist works in close collaboration with the patient’s primary obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) rather than replacing them. This creates a team approach.
The OB/GYN typically continues to provide routine prenatal care, while the MFM offers specialized consultation and co-management of high-risk aspects. The frequency of MFM visits can vary depending on the specific condition and its severity, ranging from occasional consultations to more frequent appointments, especially closer to delivery. This collaborative model benefits the patient by combining continuity of care from their general OB/GYN with the MFM’s specialized expertise.