If you’ve been referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, you may be concerned about your health and the health of your baby. But this referral isn’t necessarily an indication that you’ll have a difficult pregnancy or birth.
Being under the care of a maternal-fetal medicine doctor helps ensure you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
“You're having another set of eyes looking at your care specifically related to whatever maternal or fetal condition that is being referred to us,” said Dr. Patrick S. Ramsey, maternal medical director at University Health and Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UT Health San Antonio.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine vs. Obstetrics
“A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is an OB/GYN provider who has done three extra years of specific training to deal with complicated maternal, surgical, medical and fetal conditions,” Dr. Ramsey said. “We're the subspecialists that help the general obstetrician with complicated cases.” Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are also experts in ultrasound to evaluate your baby during pregnancy for any birth defects or other problems.
If your obstetrician refers you to a maternal-fetal medicine provider, they may work together to provide your care. You may have routine prenatal appointments with your obstetrician and only see your maternal-fetal medicine provider for the occasional appointment. Or your care may transition completely to your maternal-fetal medicine provider. It will depend on your condition and what your care team recommends.
Why You Might Need Maternal-Fetal Care
People who are pregnant might need care from a maternal-fetal specialist if they have pre-existing conditions or if they develop complications during pregnancy.
“We have expertise in taking care of the medical issues that some moms have that need a little extra attention during pregnancy to make sure they have a good outcome,” Dr. Ramsey said.
Pre-Existing or Chronic Conditions
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune disorders
Complications That Arise During Pregnancy
- Placenta accreta
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Risk of preterm birth
- Birth defect in the baby
Read Alexea’s story about preeclampsia, her care journey, and the birth of her healthy baby girl.
Procedures and Techniques in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist will perform many of the same tests and procedures as an obstetrician. These may include:
- Prenatal ultrasound
- Fetal monitoring
- Prenatal screenings
- Genetic testing
Maternal-Fetal Medicine at University Health
As a Level IV Maternal Care Center, University Health’s Women’s & Children’s Hospital has a number of maternal-fetal medicine doctors on hand at all times, ready to care for women with high-risk pregnancies and their babies.
“We have a close partnership with all the pediatric specialists and subspecialists at the hospital – the neonatal team, the pediatric palliative care team, all the adult medical and surgical subspecialists that might have to help us with care for a patient, within UT Health and University Health,” Dr. Ramsey said.
“That kind of care under one roof with a very integrated care team is something that makes us really unique and special,” he said.
Learn more about our pregnancy and childbirth services online.
