How Maternal Fetal Medicine Differs from Regular Obstetric Care
Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) and regular prenatal care are integral to managing a healthy pregnancy, yet they serve distinct roles tailored to different needs. Regular prenatal care is focused on providing routine monitoring and support for pregnancies without significant complications, ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby through standard assessments and interventions. In contrast, maternal-fetal medicine specializes in managing high-risk pregnancies, where advanced diagnostic tools and expert care are necessary due to potential complications or underlying health conditions.
The Role of Ultrasound in Pregnancy
An ultrasound is a routine diagnostic test that relies on sound waves to create an image of a growing fetus. Most women will have at least one during their pregnancy. Ultrasounds are commonly used to confirm the due date and sex of the baby, however they are powerful tools that can detect abnormalities of the brain, heart, spine, and other parts of the anatomy of your baby.
Advanced Ultrasound Screening
If your doctor detects any problems during a routine ultrasound, he or she may order additional, more in-depth ultrasounds. Advanced ultrasound screenings provide the highest level of detection of fetal abnormalities possible when you need to rule out potential problems or just need that extra peace of mind. Using leading-edge fetal echocardiography technology, an advanced level test for your pregnancy used when there is an increased risk of fetal heart abnormalities, the skilled maternal fetal medicine specialists can accurately assess the baby’s heart structure and function in utero.
Comparing Regular Obstetric Care and MFM
By understanding these differences, expecting parents can better appreciate the specialized care provided by MFM specialists and the routine support offered through standard prenatal care. The following table highlights the key differences:
| Feature | Regular Prenatal Care | Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Routine monitoring for pregnancies without significant complications. | Management of high-risk pregnancies and underlying health conditions. |
| Diagnostic Tools | Standard routine ultrasound (due date and sex). | Advanced ultrasound screening and fetal echocardiography. |
| Detection Rate | Standard community-based detection. | Three-fold increase in detection of abnormalities. |
The Expertise of MFM Subspecialists
Research has shown that women who have had advanced ultrasound testing performed by MFM specialists (also known as perinatologists or maternal fetal medicine subspecialists) have a three-fold increase in detection of abnormalities compared to community-based radiology or OB/GYN offices. This gives you several times the reassurance that everything appears to be progressing smoothly. This is what our practice calls the “rule-in normal ultrasound”.
Advanced ultrasound screening is available to everyone—you don’t have to be at high risk for pregnancy complications to schedule, or to benefit from, this level of care. In fact, you may desire a higher level of ultrasound detection to help reassure you that your pregnancy is more likely to be normal. Our team of maternal fetal medicine subspecialists is highly skilled in the screening, diagnosis and management of pregnancies, as well as the dedication to support our patients and their families with the compassion and empathy they need.
Maternal and Fetal Health Awareness Calendar
The Information Hub tracks vital awareness periods for maternal and fetal health:
- January: Birth Defects Awareness Month
- February 7-14: Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week
- March: Fetal Growth Restriction Awareness Month
- May 22: World Preeclampsia Day
- July: July is Diabetes Awareness Month
- August: August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month
- September 14-20: Folic Acid Awareness Week
- November: World Prematurity Month