What 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. We also care for moms who face unexpected problems that develop during pregnancy, such as early labor, bleeding, or high blood pressure. We’re the go-to for moms who arrive in the hospital while they are pregnant for any reason, whether after an accident or at the onset of a kidney infection. In other cases, it’s the baby who faces the un-routine. If we find birth defects or growth problems, we can start treatment before birth, providing monitoring, blood transfusions and surgery to support babies with the best possible care until they are ready to arrive in the world.
Training
A maternal-fetal medicine sub-specialist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who has completed 4 years of Ob/Gyn training followed by 2-3 years of additional education and clinical experience to develop specialized skills to help both the mom and baby before and during an un-routine pregnancy. Our training includes both medical treatment and complex procedures for moms and babies. We are high-risk pregnancy experts.
Our extra training enables us to conduct and interpret research on new approaches for pregnancy problems. Through educational courses, development of clinical protocols, and research, we share our knowledge of optimal care for complicated pregnancies with others. Our overarching goal is to improve outcomes for moms and babies.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians partner with multiple caregivers to consult, co-manage or care directly for complicated situations, both before, during and after pregnancy. We know it takes a team --starting with the mother and her family--to navigate the un-routine and achieve the best possible outcome.
When should I see an MFM Specialist?
MFM specialists treat two patients at the same time. We partner with the mom-to-be, her family, and her medical team to navigate the un-routine and achieve the best possible outcome. We see families who have experienced un-routine pregnancies in the past, mothers with chronic health conditions, and women who develop unexpected problems during their pregnancy. Learn More