Maternal-Fetal Medicine

High-Risk Pregnancy Care

What is Maternal-Fetal Medicine?

Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) is a specialized branch of obstetrics focusing on high-risk pregnancies. MFM specialists are OB/GYNs who pursued three additional years of education and training on the management of high-risk pregnancies and their intricacies with expectant mothers and unborn babies. MFM’s work alongside the obstetrician throughout the course of a high-risk pregnancy to provide support and expertise.

Why See an MFM?

A patient may be referred to an MFM specialist if they are having a high-risk pregnancy with complex conditions affecting the mother and baby. Some of the most common factors that cause pregnancy to be considered “high-risk” include:

• Preexisting medical conditions
• A new medical condition caused by pregnancy
• Expectant mother’s age being above 35 years old
• History of difficult pregnancy or delivery
• Suspected abnormalities of the baby during pregnancy
• A multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc)
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Pregnant with multiple babies (twins, triplets, or more)
• History of Preterm Delivery
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Suspected fetal growth restriction (baby not growing properly)
• Family history of genetic anomalies
• Evidence of possible birth defects

What Do MFM’s Do?

Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists can perform many roles during pregnancy. Some of the abilities of an MFM specialist include:

• Performing testing related to the factors causing a pregnancy to be high-risk
• Creating a care plan for mother and baby during pregnancy
• Diagnosing, monitoring, and treating any conditions that arise throughout pregnancy
• Assisting with delivery and after-birth care

What Kind of Conditions Warrant an MFM?

MFM’s can be brought in to manage a wide array of specialized conditions during pregnancy. Some of the most common conditions include:

• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Pregnant with multiple babies (twins, triplets, or more)
• History of Preterm Delivery
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Suspected fetal growth restriction (baby not growing properly)
• Family history of genetic anomalies
• Evidence of possible birth defects

Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists are dedicated to ensuring the highest level of health for both mother and baby throughout high-risk pregnancies. MFM specialists are an important part of the management of high-risk pregnancies, advancing outcomes and quality of life for expectant mothers and their babies.

To make an appointment with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist in the Butler/Clarion Area, call 844-765-2845. For the Westmoreland Area, call 724-850-3150.