MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE (MFM)
MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE
Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM), also known as perinatology, is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on managing health concerns of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy and shortly after.
MFM specialists, also known as perinatologists, are board-certified obstetricians who are specially trained in diagnosing, treating and managing high-risk pregnancies. Their job is to provide specialty care for underlying medical concerns or past outcomes that could complicate a pregnancy, from pre-conception through delivery. Their expertise lies in diagnosing and treating conditions that may impact the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.
A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there are potential complications that could affect the mother, the baby or both. These complications may exist prior to pregnancy or arise during pregnancy. A high-risk pregnancy requires especially close monitoring by a maternal-fetal care team of experienced nurses, certified sonographers, a medical geneticist, genetic counselors, and a team of neonatologists and pediatric specialists. In addition, the MFM team works with referring physicians and specialists in other medical fields* to counsel patients and optimize care during pregnancy.
EXAMPLES OF HIGH-RISK CONDITIONS & COMPLICATIONS
RISK FACTORS FOR BIRTH INJURIES ARE UNDERLINED
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INTRAPARTUM CARE
LEVELS OF MATERNAL CARE
LEVELS OF MATERNAL CARE
- Antepartum-this is the care you receive before giving birth to your baby. It includes pregnancy exams, tests, and other pregnancy-related healthcare.
- Intrapartum care-care of women during labor and childbirth. This portion of time can be daunting for most women as it requires a great deal of physical effort, discomfort, and pain. It is also a dangerous time for both mother and child if an OB/GYN and attending nursing staff are not prepared and diligent.
- Postpartum-postpartum occurs after the birth of the baby. This stage of pregnancy is just as important as the others, despite the heavy ordeal of giving birth being completed.
LEVELS OF MATERNAL CARE
LEVELS OF MATERNAL CARE
LEVELS OF MATERNAL CARE
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and SMFM (Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine) have developed a consensus on the levels of maternal care to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
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- Accredited Birth Center: Care for low-risk uncomplicated pregnancies who are expected to have an uncomplicated birth.
- Basic Care (Level I): Care for low- to moderate-risk pregnancies with the ability to detect, stabilize, and initiate management of unanticipated maternal-fetal or neonatal problems until the patient can be transferred to a facility where specialty maternal care is available.
- Specialty Care (Level II): Level I care plus the care of appropriate moderate-to high-risk antepartum, intrapartum, or postpartum conditions.
- Subspecialty Care (Level III): Level II care plus the care of more complex maternal medical conditions, obstetric complications, and fetal conditions.
- Regional Perinatal Health Care Centers (Level IV): The highest level of care; Levels I, II, III, plus on-site medical and surgical care for the most complex maternal conditions and critically ill pregnant women and fetuses throughout antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care. accessible.
