Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine offer expert patient care, research programs, and education and training opportunities.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)
High-risk pregnancy care
Advanced Treatments for Pregnancy Complications
The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is a practice that consults on high-risk conditions of the mother and fetus (developing baby). That means we work together as a team with your primary obstetrician and with any specialists you may need. Our goal is to provide high-quality, safe and compassionate care for you — and for your growing baby.
Our techniques and technologies are state-of-the-art. Our approach is multidisciplinary, which means a team of different medical experts is available to you. And our promise is to always treat you with warmth, dignity and respect. Our MFM providers offer ongoing care throughout your pregnancy, or we can offer second opinions or one-time evaluations if needed.
Understanding MFM
MFM doctors specialize in caring for pregnancies with potential complications that affect you or your baby. We work with a team of highly skilled and accomplished doctors, nurses and other experts to help ensure a safe and healthy delivery for you — as well as your baby or babies.
All of our specialists have undergone training in a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine fellowship program. We have extensive experience in managing high-risk pregnancies. Our goal is to minimize your stress and anxiety.
Candidates for MFM
You should consult with an MFM specialist if you face these situations:
- A preexisting medical condition, such as diabetes
- A history of — or suddenly develop — a pregnancy complication, such as early labor
- Concerns about the health of your baby
Contact us if you want to meet with an MFM specialist:
- Ask for a referral from your OB/GYN doctor
- Call the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at 617-667-2636
Preexisting Conditions that Complicate Pregnancy
If you have a preexisting medical condition, you may need extra obstetrical care and monitoring. This helps ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Our MFM clinics offer specialized high-risk pregnancy care for women who have one or more medical conditions such as these:
We also provide care for women with these conditions:
- Asthma
- Diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2 or gestational
- Epilepsy
- High blood pressure
- Lupus and other autoimmune disorders
- Obesity
- Prior gastric bypass or bariatric surgery
- Thyroid disease
Other Factors that Cause Pregnancy Complications
These and other situations that arise during pregnancy can require a higher level of prenatal care:
- Complex fetal care needs
- Conception after fertility treatments
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure
- Gestational diabetes
- Fetal anomalies, such as heart problems
- Fetal surgery
- History of pregnancy loss (miscarriage), stillbirth and preterm labor
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS
- Incompetent (weak) cervix
- Intrauterine growth restriction (poor growth of the developing fetus)
- Maternal age of 35 years or older
- Multiple gestation of twins, triplets or more
- Preeclampsia
- Placental disorders, including placenta accreta and placenta previa
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC)
Speak with your primary obstetrician if you have a history of chronic illness, a sudden complication or if you’re anxious about your pregnancy. Your obstetrician can refer you to one of our MFM specialists for further evaluation or a second opinion.
MFM Services
MFM specialists will work closely with your primary obstetrician throughout your pregnancy to help manage your prenatal care. Or you can see an MFM specialist only for a one-time consult, or a second opinion. You may choose to consult a maternal-fetal specialist for preconception counseling before pregnancy.
If you have cervical weakening, your MFM specialist may recommend cervical cerclage. During this surgical procedure, your MFM specialist sews the cervix closed.
If your doctor decides that we can best care for you and your baby in the hospital, we will admit you to our antepartum unit. There, our team will monitor and care for you and your baby around the clock.
More About Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Your First Maternal-Fetal Medicine Appointment
Here are some tips to prepare for your first appointment with us:
- When you schedule an office visit, we’ll ask a few questions over the phone about your health and personal history.
- Before your first appointment, forward your medical records and other tests you’ve had and their results. This information is critical for our MFM specialist to advise you and your referring obstetrician of the best plan of care.
- Bring a list of your current medications (including supplements and over-the-counter medications) to your first visit.
- Bring a list of any questions you have for your caregivers, and a notebook — or smartphone with a notes app — so you can jot down details.
Specialized Diagnostic Testing
We use a variety of tools to check your baby’s health. We offer diagnostic tests for high-risk pregnancies, including these procedures guided by a pregnancy ultrasound:
- Amniocentesis — Takes a sample of the amniotic fluid
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) — Gets a sample of the placenta
- Cordocentesis, or percutaneous, umbilical blood sampling — Takes a blood sample from the umbilical cord
Ultrasound Services
Also called a sonogram, an ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the developing fetus. An ultrasound does not use X-ray. Sound waves are safe for the developing baby.
We offer several types of specialized ultrasounds:
- Doppler ultrasound — Looks for heart or circulation abnormalities in the baby
- Targeted ultrasound — A longer exam that sometimes includes 3-D imaging to investigate fetal abnormalities
- Aneuploidy screening — Checks for unusual numbers of chromosomes in the baby
- Nuchal translucency measurement — Checks if there is fluid accumulating in the back of the fetal neck, which can be a marker for Down syndrome
Non-Stress Test, or Biophysical Profile
MFM specialists use non-stress tests — or biophysical profiles (BPPs) — to monitor fetal heartbeat, activity, muscle tone and breathing. This test also checks the volume (amount) of amniotic fluid.
Prenatal Genetics Program
Our Prenatal Genetics Program provides compassionate genetic counseling for families with concerns about genetic conditions, birth defects and/or cognitive challenges. Our licensed genetic counselors meet individually with you and your family for these services:
- Provide genetic risk assessments
- Summarize complex genetic information
- Help you decide about additional testing
- Coordinate care with your team of providers
- Offer ongoing, supportive counseling, as needed
Specialized Care Settings
We offer care across diverse settings to meet your needs. You or your baby may receive care in these locations:
OB/GYN Social Work Services
Our MFM specialists work closely with social work services at BIDMC. Our OB/GYN social work staff offers individual counseling, support groups, education and emotional support to you and your family. OB/GYN social workers have specialized knowledge related to high-risk pregnancy, pregnancy loss and bereavement, and family and relationship issues.
