What is maternal fetal medicine?
Maternal fetal medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics in which specially trained physicians take care of high-risk pregnancies to ensure a healthy outcome for the mother and the baby.
When do I need to see a perinatologist?
Another name for a maternal fetal medicine specialist is perinatologist. Generally, your obstetrician or infertility specialist will make a referral to the perinatologist if necessary. The maternal fetal medicine specialists work together with your obstetrician to ensure a healthy outcome for you and your baby.
At Ochsner Health System, our perinatologists work with the neonatology and pediatric surgery to comprise a Fetal Therapy Team. With one of the only 24/7 Maternal Fetal Specialist Team and Fetal Therapy Team in the region, our physicians are dedicated to improving all aspects of perinatal care. From the diagnosis and treatment of obstetrical problems to managing high-risk pregnancies, our Fetal Therapy Team cares for its patients through every stage of pregnancy.
What type of tests do the perinatologist perform?
They perform a variety of invasive and non-invasive procedures. Here at Ochsner Health System, our perinatologists are certified to perform nuchal translucency. This ultrasound combined with laboratory evaluation can provide early detection of Down's Syndrome.
The perinatologist also performs cerclages, amniocentesis, ultrasounds and various other tests to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of your high-risk pregnancy.
