Why Am I Seeing a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist?
Extra pregnancy care for you and your baby
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist, or MFM doctor, is an OB/GYN with extra training in pregnancies that may need closer care.
MFM is also called perinatology.
You may see an MFM doctor one time for advice, or you may have several visits during pregnancy.
Your doctors usually work together
Your regular OB or midwife
MFM specialist
Why might I be referred?
- a health problem such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an autoimmune disease
- a problem in a past pregnancy, such as an early birth or preeclampsia
- twins, triplets, or more
- a finding on an ultrasound or genetic screening test
- concern about the baby's growth
- your age, medicines, or another pregnancy risk
What happens at the visit?
- the MFM doctor reviews your pregnancy and medical history
- you may have a detailed ultrasound
- the doctor may review blood tests or genetic screening
- you can ask questions about your baby's health and your pregnancy
- the MFM doctor sends recommendations to your regular pregnancy care team
What tests might I have?
Not everyone needs all of these tests.
- detailed anatomy ultrasound
- fetal echocardiogram, a detailed ultrasound of the baby's heart
- growth ultrasounds
- Doppler blood-flow studies
- nonstress test (NST) or biophysical profile (BPP)
- genetic counseling or diagnostic testing when needed
Will the MFM doctor deliver my baby?
Often, no. Many patients keep seeing their regular OB or midwife for routine visits and delivery.
The MFM specialist gives advice and helps manage higher-risk parts of the pregnancy.
In some complicated pregnancies, the MFM team may take a larger role in your care or help plan delivery at a special hospital.
How can an MFM specialist help?
- look closely at your baby's development
- help manage medical problems during pregnancy
- estimate risks and explain your choices
- plan how often you and your baby should be checked
- help decide the safest time and place for birth
- work with genetics, heart, newborn, or other specialists when needed
What should I bring?
- your medicine list
- important medical and pregnancy history
- questions you want answered
- records from another office if your care team asks for them
You may want a support person with you if the office allows it.
What should I remember? An MFM visit is meant to give you and your pregnancy care team more information. Your care plan will depend on your own health, your baby's health, and the reason for your referral.
Medical references used for this handout
- Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Mission and Vision: What is a High-Risk Pregnancy? MFM subspecialists are OB/GYN physicians with additional formal training in high-risk pregnancy care. https://www.smfm.org/mission-and-vision
- Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Special Report: The maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist's role within a health care system. Describes consultation, co-management, transfer of care, and collaboration with other obstetric care providers. https://publications.smfm.org/publications/180-society-for-maternal-fetal-medicine-special-report-the/