Why am I being referred to a maternal fetal specialist?
You may be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if you have a pre-existing medical condition prior to pregnancy, develop a medical condition during pregnancy or have problems during delivery. Additionally, you will see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist during pregnancy if your baby has an anomaly.
What does a maternal-fetal medicine specialist do?
An MFM specialist can assess and recommend treatment for pregnancy problems such as too much or too little amniotic fluid, conditions in which the mother’s immune system attacks the child’s tissue, and diabetes or high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy.
What does a maternal-fetal medicine sonographer do?
As a maternal fetal medicine sonographer, your job is to use ultrasound equipment to help create quality images for obstetrical and gynecologic physicians to interpret during exams.
What is maternal-fetal medicine vs Obgyn?
General OB training consists of four years of residency training after medical school and that qualifies a physician to practice general obstetrics, deliver babies and practice general gynecology. Maternal Fetal Medicine is a sub-specialty after the four-year residency program in obstetrics.
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.
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.
What happens at a maternal-fetal medicine appointment?
During your visit, the specialist will ask detailed questions about your medical history, family history and any complications in prior pregnancies. The doctor may recommend follow-up visits, additional ultrasounds, additional testing or visits with other medical specialists.
During which trimester is the fetus at greatest risk?
It is during this first trimester that the fetus is most susceptible to damage from substances, like alcohol, drugs and certain medicines, and illnesses, like rubella (German measles). During the first trimester, your body and your baby’s body are changing rapidly.
At what age should you stop having babies?
A woman’s peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s. By age 30, fertility (the ability to get pregnant) starts to decline. This decline becomes more rapid once you reach your mid-30s. By 45, fertility has declined so much that getting pregnant naturally is unlikely for most women.
Will MFM deliver my baby?
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.