What is fetal medicine?
Fetal medicine or maternal-fetal medicine (MMF) focuses on how to address health problems that the mother and fetus may experience before, during and immediately after pregnancy. Fetal medicine is also known as perinatology.
Fetal medicine specialists are obstetricians and gynecologists who are subsequently trained in how to evaluate and manage high-risk pregnancies. These specialists have advanced knowledge of pregnancy complications, whether medical, surgical or genetic.
Fetal medicine is critical in stopping many complications of pregnancy, delivery and newborn health.
What conditions are treated by fetal medicine specialists?
Fetal medicine specialists specialize in high-risk pregnancies, which means that any condition or situation that threatens the health or life of the mother or fetus can be treated by a fetal medicine specialist. Some of the following conditions are managed and treated by fetal medicine specialists:
- Existing conditions such as HIV, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
- Complications from previous pregnancies, e.g., preeclampsia, premature delivery.
- Problems with the fetus, e.g. congenital malformations.
- Multiple gestation: twins, triplets or other multiple pregnancies.
When should a fetal medicine specialist be consulted?
If you know you have an existing condition while you are trying to conceive or once you are pregnant, you should discuss it with your doctor, who will refer you to the correct specialist. Your doctor will also refer you to a fetal medicine specialist if deemed necessary during pregnancy.