Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Scope: Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM), also known as high-risk obstetrics, is a subspecialty of obstetrics that focuses on the comprehensive care of both mother and fetus during pregnancy. MFM physicians specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical complications that may arise during pregnancy.
MFM physicians handle gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, hypertension, thyroid disorders, preterm labor, and complications arising from existing chronic medical conditions like diabetes and lupus. Additionally, MFM physicians are skilled in evaluating and managing multiple gestations, as well as abnormal fetal development and fetal anomalies.
To accurately diagnose and treat these conditions, MFM physicians utilize advanced tools such as ultrasound, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling to assess the health of both mother and baby. MFM physicians also perform invasive procedures like amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), fetal blood sampling (FBS), intrauterine transfusions (IUTs), percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS), ultrasound-guided fetal interventions, and intrauterine device placement.
The goal of MFM is to reduce maternal and fetal complications.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
To become an maternal-fetal medicine physician begins with a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. After finishing the residency, the physician pursues specialization in MFM by undertaking a three-year fellowship program. This fellowship program offers advanced training in prenatal diagnosis, genetics, ultrasound imaging, fetal therapy, and related areas.
Related Medical Specialties
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) closely intersects with several related medical specialties, working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care for women with complex medical conditions and high-risk pregnancies. These specialties include obstetrics, neonatology, gynecology, genetics, and maternal-fetal medicine ultrasound.
Obstetricians provide general care for pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and delivery. They offer prenatal care, diagnose and treat obstetrical conditions, and manage labor and delivery.
Neonatologists specialize in the care of newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with birth defects or other complications. They manage neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and provide specialized care for newborns requiring advanced medical treatment.
Gynecologists focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the female reproductive system. They provide preventive care, diagnose and treat gynecological conditions, and perform surgeries such as hysterectomies.
Geneticists specialize in diagnosing and treating genetic disorders by analyzing a person's genetic makeup. They identify genetic factors that may increase the risk of certain diseases or conditions.
Maternal-fetal medicine ultrasound specialists utilize ultrasound technology to diagnose fetal abnormalities and track fetal growth during pregnancy. They also monitor maternal health conditions, such as preeclampsia or placenta previa, using ultrasound.