What is an MFM specialist?

Prenatal care throughout your pregnancy is essential for you and your baby.

Whether this is your first pregnancy or fourth, you want nothing more than the best for this growing life inside you.

Most of us understand following a healthy lifestyle is important for a healthy pregnancy. But regularly scheduled appointments with excellent prenatal care are just as important.

That’s why the first of many decisions you’ll make as a new mom is to find the best doctor who’s right for you. Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will continually monitor and watch your baby grow and develop to ensure your baby’s health and safety.

But many women are left wondering what’s the difference between an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN) and maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist? And how do they know if their pregnancy is “high risk”?

Michael Krew, MD, director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Akron Children’s, answers your questions about high-risk pregnancies and the role MFM specialists play in keeping you and your baby safe during pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant or planning to be soon, here’s what to know.

What’s an MFM specialist?

MFM specialists, also called perinatologists, are OB-GYN doctors who subspecialize within the field of obstetrics. They only focus on complicated high-risk pregnancies and the health concerns of mom and baby before, during and shortly after birth. They have extensive training in diagnosis and specialized treatment of fetal problems to provide advanced care for better outcomes.

MFM specialists receive the same obstetrics and gynecology training as an OB-GYN provider, but they are required to complete an additional 3 years of education and training in high-risk pregnancy care.

“An OB-GYN cares for women during and just after their pregnancy and delivers babies. They also consult on other important women’s health issues, including birth control and menopause,” said Dr. Krew. “An MFM specialist can do that as well, but we spend our entire day strictly focusing on minimizing problems arising from high-risk pregnancy.”

The expertise of MFM specialists comes into play when reading ultrasounds or performing diagnostic or invasive in-utero procedures, such as an amniocentesis. If a birth defect or other problem is found, they can start treatment before birth, if possible.

Why would I be referred to an MFM specialist?

Women start pregnancy care with their OB-GYN. But if the provider finds that a woman is high risk, she may be referred to an MFM specialist for a consultation.

“If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor about any possible risks,” Dr. Krew recommended. “If you have a preexisting condition or a family history of genetic conditions, it’s a good idea to talk with an MFM specialist.”

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy occurs when there are health problems that could affect the mother, her baby or both. These conditions may exist before pregnancy or start during pregnancy.

Your OB-GYN and MFM doctors will work together to provide care for your high-risk pregnancy.

Risks for mom

A pregnancy may be high risk for mom if she has a preexisting medical condition, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or an autoimmune or kidney disease. In addition, problems can develop during pregnancy, such as early labor, bleeding or pre-eclampsia, which can also make a pregnancy high risk.

A history of miscarriage, problems with previous pregnancies or genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, also can cause a high-risk pregnancy.

Risks for baby

A pregnancy may be high risk for the baby if there’s an abnormal finding during an ultrasound, such as a birth defect, growth problems, multiples or low amounts of amniotic fluid.

A high-risk pregnancy doesn’t always mean it will be more challenging than a low-risk one, but it could mean additional appointments and ultrasounds with an MFM specialist.

How do OB-GYNs and MFM specialists work together?

An MFM specialist and OB-GYN are usually part of a medical team who all work together to ensure you receive the best care possible during pregnancy.

While an OB-GYN may oversee your prenatal care, an MFM will work alongside your doctor to offer care recommendations, monitor your condition or manage any specialized testing or treatment during pregnancy.

An MFM team also can provide your family with genetic counseling and other education to better help families prepare, reduce anxiety and consider how it might impact future pregnancies.

Most women with complicated pregnancies continue to see their OB-GYN for regularly scheduled appointments with periodic visits to an MFM. And in most cases, the OB-GYN will deliver the baby.

“We complement each other,” said Dr. Krew. “If a problem is found, we will work alongside the OB-GYN to help families understand the health condition, explain treatment options and offer advanced care for the best possible outcome. Together, we have the expertise required to keep you and your baby safe before, during and after pregnancy.”