Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are dedicated to managing high-risk pregnancies, from addressing unexpected complications to providing prenatal interventions. They are obstetricians with additional specialized training to manage complex maternal and fetal conditions before, during and after pregnancy.
What is Maternal-Fetal Medicine?
Maternal-fetal medicine, also known as perinatology, is a subspecialty of obstetrics focused on managing high-risk pregnancies and the health of both mother and baby.
For pregnant women with chronic health problems, maternal-fetal medicine physicians are obstetricians with additional training and expertise to diagnose, monitor, and manage complex maternal and fetal conditions throughout pregnancy.
These specialists provide care for pregnant women with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes or hypertension) that may complicate pregnancy, as well as those who develop complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Additionally, they offer prenatal interventions involving fetal anomalies or complications, such as multiple gestations (twins, triplets), fetal growth restriction or genetic abnormalities, ensuring optimal outcome for both mother and baby before birth.
Conditions Managed by Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are crucial in managing various maternal and fetal conditions to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby. They provide ultrasound services, fetal therapy services, genetic counseling, genetic procedures, high-risk pregnancy consultation, and services related to substance use disorders in pregnancy.
They work with a team of specialists including obstetricians, genetic counselors, neonatologists, and other healthcare providers to help patients manage complex conditions during pregnancy, including:
Maternal Conditions
- Recurrent miscarriage/history of pregnancy loss
- Gestational diabetes
- Hypertension disorders
- Maternal cardiac disorders
- Thyroid disorders in pregnancy
- Renal disorders in pregnancy
- Autoimmune disorders
- Blood clotting disorders
- Multiple gestations (twins, triplets)
- History of child with growth restriction or low birth weight
- Preterm labor and preterm delivery
- Substance use disorders in pregnancy
Fetal Conditions
- Fetal infection
- Fetal growth restriction
- Congenital anomalies
- Genetic disorders
- Fetal arrhythmias
- Umbilical cord abnormalities
- Placental abnormalities
With their specialized knowledge and advanced training, maternal-fetal medicine specialists provide invaluable support and guidance to expectant parents facing high-risk pregnancies, offering reassurance and expertise every step of the way.
The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Stony Brook Medicine is dedicated to providing comprehensive care throughout your pregnancy. Our team is at the forefront of maternal and fetal medicine, advancing clinical care through research and discovery to benefit mothers and their babies.
