A maternal-fetal medicine specialist ia an obstetrician  OB  who concentrates on women with complicated or high risk pregnancies. They are also called perinatologists or high-risk pregnancy doctors. If you are carrying multiples, it is considered high risk pregnancy and you are likely to have one of these doctors in your team.

These doctors  treat women with these conditions or pregnancy complications

• a history of multiple miscarriages
• a history of premature birth
• high blood pressure
• preeclampsia
• diabetes whether it is pre existing or gestational
• infectious diseases such as toxoplasmosis, parvovirus, HIV/AIDS
• Rh disease
• a family history of heart, kidney and other diseases

They also treat women carrying multiples as well  as those at risk of preterm labor.

What does a maternal-fetal medicine specialist do ?

They do the following :

• offer prenatal care for women with high risk pregnancies
• helps manage the mother’s preexisting condition such as hypertension and diabetes
• cares for women with pregnancy complications or complications after childbirth
• does tests and procedures such as ultrasound to check the baby’s growth and development
• checks for birth defects through procedures such as amniocentesis , chorionic villus sampling  CVS or umbilical cord sampling
• diagnosis and manages birth defects such as blood disorders and heart problems in the developing baby including performing surgery if needed
• monitors labor and handles delivery
• manages any of the mother’s health problem after delivery such as excessive bleeding, high blood pressure or  infection

How do maternal-fetal medicine specialist works with your pregnancy team

Depending on your situation, this specialist will consult with other providers on your team. The doctor may :

• offer most of the prenatal care
• work hand in hand with your OB, family doctor or midwife
• consult with your doctor or midwife if needed
• consult and work with neonatologist or other pediatrics experts  to make sure your babies get the needed care

Maternal – fetal medicine specialists   work with you and your regular health care provider to make sure you have a safe labor and delivery.
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