What is Maternal Fetal Medicine and How Does it Help Expectant Mothers?
Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the health of both mother and fetus during pregnancy. This branch of obstetrics deals with high-risk pregnancies, complications, and potential birth defects.
If you or your doctor suspect that you may have a high-risk pregnancy, it's important to seek care from a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist. These doctors have specialized training and expertise to provide comprehensive care for women with complicated pregnancies.
Some reasons to consider seeing an MFM specialist include:
- Advanced maternal age (35 or older)
- Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Previous pregnancy complications
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Fetal abnormalities detected on ultrasound
Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists can perform specialized tests and procedures to
- F
- Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
MFM specialists can also work with other healthcare providers to create a care plan that addresses any medical concerns and ensures the best possible outcome for both mother and baby. This may involve monitoring fetal growth and development, managing maternal health conditions, or providing specialized care for premature babies.