Gynecologist
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
Specialists:
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) physicians are high-risk pregnancy experts, specializing in the un-routine. For pregnant women with chronic health problems, MFM physicians work with other clinical specialists in an office or hospital setting to keep the woman healthy as her body changes and her baby grows.
Why do you need to see them?
You might see an MFM doctor if you have any concerns about your pregnancy. You may be especially high risk if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, seizure disorders, blood clotting disorders, or infections (such as HIV, cytomegalovirus, or parvovirus.) You might also be at increased risk if you have a history of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth or if you are pregnant with multiple babies.
Your MFM specialist is highly trained and can help you with additional tests or procedures if needed. They can also help if you or your baby develop any problems during your pregnancy. If your baby has a birth defect or other abnormal findings are seen on an ultrasound, your MFM specialist will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you and your baby are getting the best care possible.
What do they do?
An MFM doctor:
Prenatal care for women with high-risk pregnancies
Helping manage the mother’s existing health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Caring for women who develop complications during pregnancy or childbirth
Testing and procedures, such as ultrasound, to check your babies’ growth and development
Checking for birth defects and genetic disorders with tests such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or umbilical cord sampling
- Diagnoses and manages birth defects, heart problems, and blood disorders in a developing baby, including performing surgery if needed
- Monitors labour and handle the delivery
- Manages any of the mom’s health problems after pregnancy, such as excessive bleeding, infections, or high blood pressure
- Identifies risks and provides recommendations for future pregnancies
Physician consultation is a good opportunity and you should be prepared for it.
- Carry all necessary medical records for the discussion. It helps in better understanding your heart condition and avoids repetition of diagnostic tests.
- Make sure you discuss your past medical history, surgical history, family history, and medications that you are taking.
- Discuss about your lifestyle habits, dietary habits and also about your profession. Your lifestyle and nature of job may be associated with the risk for cardiac diseases.