WHAT IS A MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST?, Andrei Rebarer, MD (Video)
A maternal fetal medicine specialist is a physician that has gone through an obstetrics and gynecology residency program for four years and then an additional three years of subspecialty training. This training focuses on the management of maternal medical complications during pregnancy, as well as the ability to identify fetal issues that may occur that can be determined using prenatal ultrasonography. Finally, maternal fetal medicine specialists are uniquely qualified to perform various fetal therapeutic interventions such as chorionic villous samplings, fetal blood samplings and transfusions, and management of placental disorders in twins using laser treatments/radiofrequency ablation devices.
A maternal fetal medicine specialist will work with a variety of medical professionals, including internal medicine physicians, cardiologists, and pulmonologists, depending on the medical conditions of each patient in order to optimize their care during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Additionally, we use high-level ultrasound to identify fetal developmental complications and/or placental disorders that could occur. Some of these conditions may be able to be treated prenatally, but some are not. Diagnosis at least provides patients with information regarding their occurrence and allows for decisions regarding their plans to continue pregnancies. Additionally, prenatal diagnosis of structural problems and their complexity may allow for better preparation of treatment in the postnatal period and/or optimizing the delivery plan of care.
At MFM Associates, we have 8 skilled MFM specialists that can help you along your journey!
Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!