Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Some pregnancies need a little more attention.
If you're facing complications or have concerns about your baby's health, you deserve care that’s focused on both of you. Maternal-fetal specialists walk beside you with expert guidance and calm reassurance, so you feel supported at every turn.
What Is Maternal-Fetal Medicine?
Maternal-fetal medicine, commonly referred to as an MFM, is a subspecialty of obstetrics focused on managing high-risk pregnancies. MFM specialists are OB/GYNs who have completed additional years of training to care for mothers and babies facing medical, genetic, or pregnancy-related complications.
These specialists support routine and complex pregnancies, offering expert monitoring, diagnostic testing, and collaboration with your primary OB to provide the safest care possible.
Learning that your pregnancy may be high-risk can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. You need compassionate care and expertise to help you feel confident about your health and your baby's.
With CHRISTUS Health, you will receive the support, answers, and advanced care you need to navigate this journey with reassurance.
Who Are Maternal-Fetal Specialists?
Maternal-fetal specialists, also called perinatologists, are highly trained physicians who:
- Diagnose and manage complications in pregnancy
- Perform detailed fetal imaging and testing
- Provide consultation for existing health conditions during pregnancy
- Coordinate care with your regular OB/GYN and other specialists
Our teams include:
- Board-certified MFM physicians
- Genetic counselors
- Advanced fetal imaging technologists
- Neonatal and high-risk nursing specialists
Reasons to See a Specialist
There are many reasons you may need to see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Whether you have an existing health condition, develop complications during pregnancy, or carry multiples, maternal-fetal medicine specialists provide advanced care to help keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
Common reasons for referral include:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High-risk pregnancies
- Diabetes
- Pregnant women over 35
- Abnormal alpha-fetoprotein blood test
- History of preterm labor and delivery and/or miscarriage
- Premature rupture of membrane
- Potential fetal growth problems
Services We Offer
Our maternal-fetal medicine program includes:
- Advanced Imaging & Diagnostics: High-resolution ultrasounds, fetal echocardiograms, fetal MRI, and Doppler imaging
- Genetic Testing & Counseling: Non-invasive prenatal testing, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and personalized support from licensed genetic counselors
- Neonatal Transport Services: Safe and timely transfer for babies needing more advanced care, ensuring continuity and specialized attention
- Access to Level II–IV NICUs: For babies who may need immediate or specialized neonatal care, with expert teams and advanced technology
- Comprehensive Condition Management: Collaborative care for a wide range of complex maternal and fetal conditions
Prenatal Genetic Counseling
Prenatal genetic counseling helps you understand your baby's genetic risks and make informed decisions, offering support and guidance throughout pregnancy. Our licensed genetic counselors are available to discuss screening options, explain results, and support next steps.
Referral & Appointments
If your OB/GYN believes you may benefit from maternal-fetal care, they can refer you directly to CHRISTUS Health's MFM team. You can also request a consultation yourself to learn more about your options.