What is a Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor?
Maternal-Fetal Medicine doctors, also called Perinatologists, specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care of pregnant mothers if they or their babies have an increased chance of a health condition. A womans health care provider will refer a woman to a maternal fetal medicine doctor when her medical history, or screening, or diagnostic testing during pregnancy increases the chance or diagnoses a health condition in either mother or baby. Some examples of why a woman is referred to a maternal fetal medicine doctor include, if a woman has a medical condition needing extra care during pregnancy, like lupus, a chronic autoimmune condition. When you see a maternal fetal medicine doctor different tests or screens, may be offered depending on why you were referred to see this specialist. These diagnostic tests or screens are to monitor the health of mother and baby, and perhaps diagnose a health condition.
