Maternal Fetal Medicine

Whether it’s your first pregnancy or third, hearing your obstetrician say that your pregnancy is high-risk can feel concerning.

A high-risk pregnancy does not necessarily mean that it will be more difficult than a low-risk pregnancy. However, if you have a chronic medical condition or a complicated pregnancy, your doctor will likely refer you to a maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialist for closer monitoring and more advanced care. This is also the case if you are pregnant with more than one baby; women who are pregnant with twins or other multiples also need to see an MFM specialist.  

Why Choose Us for Maternal Fetal Medicine

• We provide comprehensive prenatal screening, pregnancy monitoring and advanced diagnostics.
• We are the only regional provider to offer same-week appointments.
• We provide a full range of mother and baby care services, including a state-of-the-art Level II NICU, staffed by Loma Linda University Children’s Health neonatologists and located close to our labor and delivery suites.
• We provide you a maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialist who will be your trusted partner, focused specifically on your unique needs to make your high-risk situation less stressful for you, your baby and your family.
• We work closely with your obstetrician, midwife or specialized gynecology team to help see your pregnancy through to delivery.

What is a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist?

A MFM physician is a perinatologist. A perinatologist is an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) who has undergone three years of additional training on high-risk pregnancies.  

At Loma Linda University Health, your MFM physician will become a key member of your prenatal care team. Depending on the specifics of your high-risk pregnancy, your MFM doctor may: 

• Monitor your baby via ultrasound and other procedures.
• Perform amniocentesis or other tests to check for genetic or congenital conditions. 
• Help you manage any preexisting conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Diagnose and manage any conditions your baby may have. 
• Advise your OB/GYN on labor and delivery.

Your MFM specialist will discuss your specific high-risk pregnancy condition with you. Together, you can make a plan for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.