During your pregnancy, you may be referred to a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) if you or your baby have a condition that increases the risk of complications during pregnancy or delivery. Pre-existing health conditions, history of preterm birth, new pregnancy-related conditions, multiple gestations, genetic conditions and fetal anomalies are among the many reasons you may be co-managed by a maternal-fetal specialist.

Maternal Fetal Medicine

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MFM & Genetics of Advantia, Washington DC

1443 U Street NW

Washington, DC, 20009

Phone: 771-200-1920

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What Is Maternal-Fetal Medicine?

Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM), also known as perinatology, is an obstetric subspecialty that focuses on the health and well-being of both the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are obstetricians with advanced training in high-risk pregnancies and ultrasound imaging. They manage and treat pregnancy complications resulting from genetic disorders and chronic and pregnancy-related health conditions such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders and fetal complications such as growth restriction.

MFM specialists also use advanced diagnostic tests and imaging to identify potential medical concerns or complications and monitor the ongoing development of the fetus. They work closely with genetic counselorsand other healthcare professionals, such as pediatric subspecialists, to ensure the best possible outcomes for both pregnant women and their babies.

Why Choose a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist?

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are an integral part of a high-risk obstetric care team, who are focused on the health of both mother and baby from conception to delivery. Through their specialized training and experience, they are able to help diagnose and treat a range of conditions affectinga pregnancy or delivery. Depending on your condition, you may need to see an MFM specialist only once, or you may have regular follow ups to co-manage any conditions impacting your health, or the health of your baby..  

Role of Genetic Counselor in Management of High-Risk Pregnancy

A genetic counselor in a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) office helps patients understand genetic risks and options during pregnancy. They provide education about inherited conditions, assess family history, and explain the benefits and limitations of genetic screening and diagnostic tests. Genetic counselors guide patients through decisions about testing, help interpret test results, and offer emotional support. Their goal is to empower patients with the information needed to make informed choices for their pregnancy and family planning, and they are an integral part of comprehensive care provided in the MFM office.

Common Conditions Managed by Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists care for patients who have chronic health conditions such as kidney or heart disease, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, neurologic disorders or hypertension, or have a history of prior pregnancy complications. They also support women who develop medical conditions during their pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, etc.

Women carrying twins or triplets, or babies with structural anomalies such as cleft lip or palate, or pregnancies affected by congenital infections, genetic conditions or growth restrictions, can also receive high-risk pregnancy care from an MFM physician.

Diagnostic Services in Maternal-Fetal Medicine

A number of diagnostic tests and procedures are available through MFM specialists to help detect chromosomal abnormalities, rare diseases and some inherited genetic conditions.

These include:

  • Amniocentesis: This test involves using a needle, placed through the woman’s abdomen guided by ultrasound, to collect a small sample of amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid contains fetal cells, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis. It is typically performed between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): This test involves collecting a small sample of cells from the placenta for testing. It can be performed earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis—typically between 10 and 13 weeks. Once a sample is obtained, DNA is extracted and different genetic tests can be performed, such as assessing karyotype, or more detailed microarray or whole genome sequencing testing.  

Additional tests for specific inherited disorders or congenital infections, as well as measurement of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels to assess for neural tube defects, may also be performed. Your MFM specialist can discuss testing options for your specific condition, as well as the risks and benefits of each.

Treatment and Care Options for High-Risk Pregnancies

MFM & Genetics of Advantia offers treatment and care options tailored to your high-risk condition with the objective of achieving a healthy pregnancy and outcome. 

Options include:

  • One-time consultations
  • Frequent monitoring and checkups
  • Medications to manage chronic conditions
  • Medications to manage pregnancy-related conditions
  • Ultrasound monitoring of fetal development
  • Doppler evaluation of blood vessels
  • Diagnostic testing

Pre-Pregnancy Counseling and Planning

MFM specialists and genetic counselors perform consultations prior to pregnancies to help families understand their risk of pregnancy complications and genetic conditions that may impact future pregnancies.

These discussions include family history, genetic risks related to maternal and paternal age, evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss, medication exposure in pregnancy and fetal anomalies, as well as available diagnostic testing.

The Role of Ultrasound and Imaging in Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Ultrasounds are an important tool for assessing risks prior to a pregnancy, diagnosing maternal or fetal health conditions and monitoring the ongoing growth and development of a single or multiple fetuses. Because this imaging technique uses sound waves to create images of the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid, it is considered safe when performed under medical supervision.

Ultrasound can be used during pregnancy by an MFM specialist to date the pregnancy and assess nuchal translucency (the space at the back of a fetus’s neck), monitor the length of the mother’s cervix, perform an anatomic survey of the fetus oror conduct other tests or specialized monitoring.

Advances in Maternal-Fetal Medicine Technology

New genetic tests and related technologies have enabled the MFM specialty to detect conditions earlier in pregnancies, improve the accuracy of diagnoses and enhance care and treatment throughout pregnancies. 

For its patients, MFM & Genetics of Advantia combines the use of well-established procedures and these advances as indicated by their conditions help women achieve healthy pregnancy.

When to See a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

If you are considering becoming pregnant and have a chronic health or genetic condition, history of pregnancy complications or loss, or are age 35 or older, you may wish to schedule a pre-pregnancy consultation with an MFM specialist or genetic counselor.  

If you are already pregnant, your OB-GYN or other healthcare provider may refer you to a MFM specialist based on conditions specific to your pregnancy that place you in a high-risk category, including a pregnancy with multiple gestations, fetal growth concerns, gestational diabetes, etc. 

Book An Appointment!

If you have been referred by your primary care provider, OB-GYN or other healthcare provider, please call our office to schedule an appointment. Our dedicated team will help you understand what information to provide in advance to ensure you see the care best suited to your condition.

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