What is the difference between ob/gyn and maternal-fetal medicine?

General OB training consists of four years of residency training after medical school and that qualifies a physician to practice general obstetrics, deliver babies and practice general gynecology. Maternal Fetal Medicine is a sub-specialty after the four-year residency program in obstetrics.

What does a maternal-fetal medicine doctor do?

These high-risk pregnancy experts, also called perinatologists, are OB/GYNs with additional education in diagnosing, monitoring and treating pregnancy complications in women and their unborn children. Their focus: keeping both mother and baby healthy before, during and after giving birth.

Who goes to maternal-fetal medicine?

A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is a doctor who helps take care of women having complicated or high-risk pregnancies. These doctors are obstetricians who also completed 3 extra years of training in high-risk pregnancy. They are also called perinatologists and high-risk pregnancy doctors.

Who is considered high risk for pregnancy?

Pregnant women under 17 or over 35 are considered high-risk pregnancies. Being pregnant with multiple babies. Having a history of complicated pregnancies, such as preterm labor, C-section, pregnancy loss or having a child with a birth defect. A family history of genetic conditions.

When do you refer to maternal-fetal medicine?

You may be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if you have a pre-existing medical condition prior to pregnancy, develop a medical condition during pregnancy or have problems during delivery. Additionally, you will see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist during pregnancy if your baby has an anomaly.

What is a maternal medicine appointment?

Maternal medicine (obstetric medicine) is the specialist care of pregnant women who either have pre-existing medical diseases or have specific pregnancy-related diseases that can affect any organ in the body.

Should I go to a maternal fetal medicine specialist?

Women with chronic health conditions, those who’ve developed unexpected problems during pregnancy or women who’ve had non-routine pregnancies, need special attention from day one of their pregnancy to the day they deliver. They need the expert care of a maternal fetal medicine specialist (MFM specialist), often beginning at preconception.

What is maternal fetal medicine (MFM)?

A MFM (maternal fetal medicine) specialist is an obstetrician who has received additional training (a fellowship) and can evaluate, diagnose and monitor high-risk pregnancies. Penn MFM specialists work to make high-risk situations less stressful for you, your baby and your family.

What is maternal fetal care?

The Maternal Fetal Care Center is a resource unlike any other in the state. We care for women from before conception through delivery with comprehensive, high-quality care for high-risk pregnancies, preconception and genetic counseling, specialized testing and screening and much more.

What is a maternal fetal medicine specialist?

A maternal-fetal medicine specialist or MFM specialist or high-risk pregnancy doctor or perinatologist is a healthcare specialist who helps a pregnant woman take care of herself in case of complicated or high-risk pregnancy. MFM specialists are trained doctors or obstetricians who go through 3 extra years…