Dealing with a high-risk pregnancy can add another level of worry and concern to expectant parents. A high-risk pregnancy generally involves receiving more care from your prenatal team, additional doctor visits, extra scans and other tests. All of this is done to ensure that your pregnancy is progressing well.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it can be an anxious and uncertain time. It is, therefore, useful to know about the types of care and guidance you can expect to receive during your pregnancy.
Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists
What They Do and How They Can Help
Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) is a specialized field within obstetrics that focuses on providing advanced care for women with high-risk pregnancies. These doctors undergo rigorous training to develop expertise in managing complex maternal and fetal conditions. As a part of your prenatal team, your own MFM specialist will assist with the following
- They will work with you to develop an individualized care plan that addresses the specific needs and risks associated with your pregnancy. This plan may include items such as additional prenatal visits, more frequent monitoring of your baby’s growth and development, and specialized tests and screenings. Your doctor may also suggest specific management goals to work towards.
- Your MFM specialist will work closely with other multidisciplinary care team members. This may include your doctor, nurse, midwife, neonatologist and other healthcare professionals. The entire team will be involved in different aspects of your care. However, they will all know your medical history, background and pregnancy needs.
- Suppose you have a specific pre-existing medical issue that has contributed to the high-risk pregnancy. In that case, your Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist will work with other clinicians (e.g. cardiologist, nephrologist (kidney specialist), endocrinologist) as needed to monitor your pregnancy. These specialists provide additional expertise to ensure that your pre-existing condition, whatever it may be, is managed and well-controlled.
Maternal Fetal Medicine Offers Specialized Diagnostic Testing and Monitoring
Maternal-fetal medicine utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and monitoring techniques to assess your baby’s health closely. During a high-risk pregnancy, MFM specialists use a range of diagnostic tests and monitoring procedures, including:
- Detailed ultrasound scans
- Fetal echocardiography
- Genetic screening tests
- Comprehensive maternal health assessments
By closely monitoring key indicators and detecting potential complications, doctors can provide timely interventions and improve outcomes for both mother and baby. The specific tests needed in your situation will depend on several factors. This will always be discussed with you beforehand.
Services Offered by Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists
Services that support various stages of a high-risk pregnancy are incredibly important. For example, a chronic condition, such as diabetes, may require additional management tools. These services are all available. Depending on your own circumstances, the following may be recommended:
These services are provided by team members and combined with other management techniques to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
A Team-based Approach to Your Care
Your MFM specialist will function as the coordinator of your pregnancy team. They will work with your primary care doctor, midwife and other care professionals to help keep you as informed and relaxed as possible during your pregnancy.
We encourage our patients to get to know all members of their care team so that they can become familiar with them and their unique risks. A team-based approach means several people are looking after your needs and helping you.
All pregnancies have their ups and downs. Dealing with a high-risk pregnancy is no different. The worries might be more complex, but it is a journey you do not have to face alone.
