Perinatology (Maternal Fetal Medicine)
Expert, compassionate care for high-risk pregnancies, so you and your baby can thrive.
Overview
What is perinatology?
Perinatology, also called maternal fetal medicine, is a specialty that focuses on pregnancies that need extra attention. Some expectant mothers have health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Others face concerns that develop during pregnancy, such as premature labor. A maternal fetal medicine specialist has advanced training to care for both you and your developing baby when your pregnancy is considered high risk.
Meet our MFM specialists
At Summit Health, our MFM specialists are experienced physicians who understand the questions and emotions that can come with a high-risk pregnancy. They carefully assess the genetic and physical health of your baby using advanced ultrasound technology. They also take time to explain what they find, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about each next step.
Collaborative care for a healthy pregnancy
A high-risk pregnancy may take you by surprise, but you don't have to face it alone. Our goal is simple: to help you carry and deliver a healthy baby in a safe and supportive environment.
To make that happen, we partner closely with your obstetrician and your birthing hospital. This team approach keeps everyone informed and working toward the best possible health and well-being for you and your baby.
Our maternal fetal medicine team offers a range of testing options to identify genetic concerns. If testing reveals a genetic or physical concern, our providers guide you through genetic counseling and coordinate with other experts in the region. You'll have the information and support you need to make informed decisions for your family.
Why choose Summit Health for high-risk pregnancy care
- Specialized expertise: Our MFM specialists can address a wide range of medical challenges during pregnancy.
- Advanced ultrasound units: Our ultrasound units are staffed by experienced specialists who closely monitor your baby's growth and development.
- Coordinated care: We work hand in hand with your obstetrician and birthing hospital.
- Guidance and support: Our caring team stays by your side throughout your pregnancy and childbirth journey.
Conditions and procedures
Our perinatology specialists provide expert care for many types of high-risk pregnancies, including:
- High blood pressure: Blood pressure that is high before or during pregnancy needs close monitoring. We help manage it to protect your health and support your baby's growth.
- Diabetes: Whether you had diabetes before pregnancy or developed gestational diabetes, we help you keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
- Premature (pre-term) labor: If you're at risk for early labor, we monitor you closely and work with your care team to help your baby stay safely in the womb as long as possible.
- Multiple births: Carrying twins, triplets, or more brings added considerations. We provide extra monitoring and personalized care throughout your pregnancy.
- Prior pregnancy loss: If you've experienced a loss in the past, we offer thoughtful, attentive care and extra support as you move through a new pregnancy.
- Congenital anomalies: When a physical difference in your baby's development is detected, we help you understand the diagnosis and plan the next steps with the right experts.
Procedures and services we offer
We offer advanced testing, screening, and support services to help you understand your baby's health:
- Advanced ultrasound: Detailed imaging lets our specialists evaluate your baby's growth, anatomy, and overall well-being.
- Amniocentesis: This test examines a small sample of amniotic fluid to check for certain genetic conditions.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): This test uses a small sample of cells from the placenta to check for genetic conditions. It's typically performed earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis.
- Fetal echocardiograms: This specialized ultrasound takes a closer look at your baby's heart structure and function.
- Genetic counseling: Our genetic counselors help you understand test results, assess risks, and explore your options with clarity and compassion.
- Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS): A simple blood test from the mother screens for certain chromosomal conditions in the baby.
- Counseling for women over the age of 35: We provide guidance and testing options tailored to pregnancy at an older maternal age.
- Patient education and parenting programs: We help you feel prepared for pregnancy, childbirth, and life with your new baby.
Our specialists
Kristina M. Feldman, DO
Heather E. Hume, MD
Locations
Alternative therapies for pregnancy discomfort and pain
A variety of health problems develop during pregnancy that can put a damper on the excitement of welcoming a baby into the world. Luckily, there are natural, drug-free solutions that can help with these symptoms while keeping both you and your baby safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maternal fetal medicine, or perinatology, is a medical specialty focused on caring for mothers and babies during high-risk pregnancies. MFM specialists have advanced training in managing health conditions and pregnancy complications that need extra monitoring and care.
You may benefit from seeing an MFM specialist if you have a health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are carrying multiples, have experienced pre-term labor or pregnancy loss, or are over the age of 35. Your obstetrician may also recommend a visit if an ultrasound or screening test shows a possible concern.
At your first visit, your MFM specialist will review your health history and talk with you about any concerns. Your appointment may include an ultrasound or other testing. Together, you'll discuss a care plan that fits your needs, and we'll share our findings with your obstetrician.
Yes. Our maternal fetal medicine specialists work alongside your obstetrician and birthing hospital. This collaborative approach means you get specialized care while keeping the provider relationship you already trust.
If testing identifies a concern, our team will explain the results and what they may mean for your baby. Through genetic counseling and coordination with other experts in the region, we help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Noninvasive prenatal screening uses a simple blood draw from the mother, so it poses no risk to your baby. It's a screening test, so your MFM specialist may recommend follow-up testing, such as amniocentesis or CVS, to confirm results.