When you’re expecting, you want the best care, especially if there are any unexpected risks. If you have a health condition, such as high blood pressure, or you’re having multiples (i.e., twins), your provider may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. But what is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?
A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist, also known as a perinatologist, is a doctor trained to care for high-risk pregnancies. They work alongside your OB-GYN or midwife to monitor and manage any complications that may affect you or your baby.
We’re detailing everything you need to know about high-risk pregnancies and how an MFM doctor supports the health of you and your baby.
What is a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist?
A maternal fetal medicine specialist, or perinatologist, is an OB-GYN with extra training in maternal-fetal medicine, or perinatology. It is a subspeciality of obstetrics (the “OB” in OB-GYN) that focuses on both maternal and fetal health, using advanced testing and treatment to support high-risk pregnancies.
What Does an MFM Specialist Do?
MFM specialists manage or co-manage your prenatal care and provide a variety of services, including:
- Provide prenatal care for women with high-risk pregnancies
- Manage existing health conditions like diabetes or hypertension
- Treat pregnancy complications as they arise
- Perform ultrasounds and other tests to monitor the baby’s growth
- Conduct genetic and diagnostic testing, like amniocentesis or CVS
- Diagnose and treat congenital disabilities, heart issues, or blood disorders in the fetus, even performing in-utero surgery if necessary
- Oversee labor and delivery when there are added risks
- Manage post-delivery complications like infections or heavy bleeding
- Offer guidance for reducing risks in future pregnancies
Working with an MFM doctor doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot also have a midwife or OB-GYN. It’s not unheard of for these professionals to work as a team. This is your pregnancy, you can make decisions that feel best for you and your baby.
High-Risk Pregnancy
As Fetal medicine specialists primarily handle high-risk pregnancies, it’s important to know what they are. A pregnancy is considered high risk when there’s a greater chance of complications for the mother, baby, or both. This can be due to existing medical conditions, pregnancy-related problems, or unexpected issues that arise later on.
Your OB-GYN may refer you to an MFM doctor if you fall into this category. The goal is to prevent, detect, and treat problems early, allowing for the healthiest possible outcome.
List of High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or gestational)
- History of pregnancy loss or preterm birth
- Autoimmune disorders (like lupus)
- Past cesarean sections
- Clotting disorders
- Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Advanced maternal age (35+)
- Fetal anomalies
- Placental issues
- Infections such as Zika, toxoplasmosis, or listeria
Why Would I Be Referred to a Perinatologist?
Your OB or midwife may refer you to an MFM specialist if:
- You have risk factors like being over age 35, obesity, or previous pregnancy complications
- You have a chronic condition (such as heart disease, kidney disease, or epilepsy) that could affect pregnancy
- You’re expecting twins or more, which requires closer monitoring
- You develop complications during the course of your pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes
MFM vs OB-GYN
While both MFM specialists and OB-GYNs care for pregnant women, they serve different roles:
- OB-GYNs (specifically OBs) handle routine pregnancy care, deliveries, and general reproductive health
- MFM specialists step in for complex or high-risk situations and offer advanced testing and treatment
They often work together, along with midwives, pediatric specialists, and genetic counselors, to create a complete care plan tailored to your needs. Additionally, you may not need to stay under a perinatologist’s care for the entire pregnancy–many people only meet with them a few times, depending on the reason for the referral.
What to Expect at a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Appointment?
For many people, the first time they’ll see an MFM specialist is during a consultation. Here’s what to expect from the appointment:
- A nurse or other care team members will likely start with an ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to collect information
- They may perform advanced testing such as an amniocentesis, a fetal echocardiogram (which checks the fetus’ heart) or other genetic screening tests
- From there, your perinatologist will work with your larger care team to analyze the results of any tests and discuss the next steps with you
Depending on the outcome of the initial consultation, you may need to see the MFM doctor regularly as part of your prenatal care. It depends on their initial findings, your comfort level, and the input of your larger care team.
Finding an MFM Near Me in Long Island, NY
If you’ve recently learned that you’re having a high-risk pregnancy, it’s natural to be worried, but MFM doctors are here to help. They work closely with your existing provider to support you and your baby every step of the way.
At Square Care Health, we offer convenient access to experienced maternal-fetal medicine specialists across multiple locations in Long Island, NY. Our MFM team partners with OB-GYNs and other healthcare providers to ensure you receive coordinated, expert care. Request an appointment today with Square Care Health to find the support you need for a healthy pregnancy.