It’s natural to want the most for you and your baby when pregnant. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing high-risk pregnancies. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are experiencing complications during pregnancy, an MFM can provide the specialized care you need. Throughout this article, we will explore the three reasons you should see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
3 Reasons Why You Should See a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are your personalized team to help handle your healthcare if you face any complications with your pregnancy. If you’re debating on whether you should see an MFM, then we recommend that you should if you have any one of these three reasons:
You Have a High-Risk Pregnancy
A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that has an increased chance of complications for the mother, baby, or both. Many factors can influence a high-risk pregnancy, but some of the most common ones include:
- Advanced maternal age (35 and older)
- Pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders
- Multiple gestations (twins, triplets, or more)
- Previous pregnancy complications, including preterm labor or preeclampsia
- Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the baby
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, visiting an MFM can ensure you and your baby receive the specialized care you need. An MFM will work closely with your obstetrician to develop a customized care plan that addresses your needs and minimizes the risk of complications.
You Need Specialized Diagnostic Testing
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists also have extensive training and experience performing specialized diagnostic tests. These tests are often performed for those with high-risk pregnancies, and some of the diagnostic tests that they can perform include:
- Fetal ultrasound: An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images in the womb, and it’s often used to monitor fetal growth, find abnormalities, and assess the health of your placenta and amniotic fluid.
- Amniocentesis: This procedure involves removing a small amount of amniotic fluid in the womb. The amniotic fluid has cells that can be tested for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): CVS is a test that removes a sample of cells from the placenta for genetic testing.
- Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT): NIPT is a blood test that can screen for specific chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, such as Down syndrome.
You Need Care For a Fetal Condition
If your baby’s been diagnosed with a fetal condition, such as spina bifida or heart defects, an MFM can offer you the specialized care and support you need. MFMs work closely with obstetricians to provide a comprehensive care plan for you and your baby. One way that MFMs work with you is by recommending fetal therapy, which includes procedures such as
- Fetal blood transfusion
- Fetal surgery
- In-utero shunt placement
- Laser therapy for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
At Rosenburg Maternal-Fetal Medicine, we value our service for providing specialized care for high-risk pregnancies. If you experience complications during your pregnancy, contact us today by calling either of our locations in Hewlett, NY: (516) 501-9840 and Suffern, NY: (845) 764-9880 to speak with Dr. Victor Rosenberg today.
