Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Perinatology)
Maternal-fetal medicine is the branch of obstetrics that focuses on the management of complicated and high-risk pregnancies. An expectant mother may be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, also known as a perinatologist, if she has a medical problem such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, or if a previous pregnancy resulted in preterm labor, multiple births, pre-eclampsia, or a genetic disorder or birth defect.
Maternal-fetal physicians work with obstetricians to monitor and confirm healthy fetal development and assist in your care throughout the pregnancy. Your perinatologist will consult with you and your obstetrician about ways to promote your health and that of your baby. The perinatologist keeps your ob closely informed throughout every step of your evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, and in most cases, your obstetrician will deliver your baby.
Holy Name Medical Center's Maternal-Fetal Medicine Service advocates a personalized, hands-on approach to patient care. Unlike many other perinatologists, they will meet with you at every appointment to discuss your test results and answer your questions.
