Track 10: Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) is a subspecialty of obstetrics focused on the management of high-risk pregnancies. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists, also known as perinatologists, are obstetricians with advanced training in identifying, monitoring, and treating complex maternal and fetal conditions that may arise before, during, or shortly after pregnancy.

MFM specialists provide comprehensive care for pregnancies affected by:

• Pre-existing maternal health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)

• Pregnancy-related complications (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor)

• Multiple gestations (twins, triplets, or more)

• Fetal growth restriction or congenital anomalies

• Genetic and chromosomal disorders

• Placental abnormalities

• History of recurrent pregnancy loss or preterm birth

Maternal-fetal medicine care includes advanced diagnostic tools such as high-resolution ultrasound, fetal echocardiography, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). MFM specialists often work closely with obstetricians, neonatologists, genetic counselors, and other healthcare providers to ensure optimal outcomes for both mother and baby.

Their role may also include overseeing labor and delivery for high-risk pregnancies, providing preconception counseling, and coordinating care for medically complex patients throughout the perinatal period.

The goal of maternal-fetal medicine is to promote the healthiest possible pregnancy outcomes through early detection, careful monitoring, and expert intervention.