Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine offer expert patient care, research programs, and education and training opportunities.
Complex Fetal Care
Care for spina bifida and other congenital conditions
Advanced Fetal Health Services
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) provides complete prenatal (pregnancy) care for expecting moms and babies. Our maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) team provides care for high-risk pregnancies, including care for babies with diagnosed medical conditions. Experts on our world-class fetal, maternal and pediatric teams diagnose and treat various complex medical conditions before birth, ensuring that you and your baby are in good hands with us.
Expert, Compassionate Care for the Whole Family
We understand that a diagnosis of a fetal condition during pregnancy can be overwhelming. Our compassionate MFM experts are with you every step of the way.
Using a holistic and family-centered approach to care, we diagnose and treat fetal anomalies at the Center for Maternal-Fetal Medicine at BIDMC. We consider your preferences and goals to allow for the best possible outcome for you, your family and your pregnancy.
Conditions We Treat
Fetal conditions we care for include these and others:
- Complicated twin or other multiple-birth pregnancies
- Fetal growth restriction and placental dysfunction
- Fetal hydrops and anemia
- Fetal structural anomalies (congenital birth defects)
- Genetic diseases
More About Complex Fetal Care
Screening & Diagnostic Tests We Offer
Our team offers you prenatal genetic testing. We use advanced, ultrasound-guided fetal procedures or fetal therapy to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a procedure used for genetic testing. We conduct this test after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Guided by ultrasound, your doctor inserts a needle into your abdomen and takes a sample of fluid surrounding the fetus. The doctor can use this sample to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities, other genetic diseases and even certain infections.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) provides similar information to amniocentesis, but we can perform it earlier in pregnancy. CVS uses a needle — guided by ultrasound — to collect small pieces of the placenta at 11- to 13-weeks of pregnancy. Doctors use these placenta samples to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic diseases.
Cordocentesis, or Percutaneous, Umbilical Blood Sampling
In this procedure, your doctor uses a small needle to sample fetal blood from the umbilical cord. The doctor can use this procedure to diagnose or treat certain fetal diseases. Most often, doctors use it to diagnose and treat fetal anemia using an in-utero transfusion of blood to the fetus.
Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction
Higher-order multiple pregnancies have high rates of miscarriage, preterm delivery and neonatal complications. Some people may choose to reduce the number of fetuses in a continuing pregnancy to increase the chance of a healthy birth of one or more infants. We perform this procedure using a small needle and injection under ultrasound guidance.
Radiofrequency Ablation
In monochorionic (single placenta) twin pregnancies, the health of one twin can significantly affect the health and well-being of the other. In some cases, a nonviable twin (also called twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence) or critically ill or anomalous fetus can jeopardize the survival of the other healthy twin. We can use radiofrequency ablation to stop blood flow within the umbilical cord to the abnormal fetus while protecting the other twin.
Fetal Shunts
A shunt is a flexible tube that connects two different spaces or compartments. Guided by ultrasound, the doctor can place tiny shunts into the fetus. The shunts allow an abnormal fluid collection to drain into the amniotic space and protect vital organ function. This procedure is most commonly performed in these situations:
- To drain the bladder in select cases of lower urinary tract obstruction (vesicoamniotic shunt)
- To drain the chest in cases of fetal hydrothorax or buildup of fluid in the lungs (thoracoamniotic shunt)
Personalized, Ongoing Support
We understand high-risk pregnancies are a life-changing event that can take a profound physical and emotional toll on you. Our priority is to provide world-class care in an inclusive, honest and holistic environment. Part of that care includes surrounding you with the resources and support you need during pregnancy and afterward. It is important to know that you are not alone.
Our care teams at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are licensed, trained professionals who offer support services and resources located in or near your local community.
The Ob/Gyn social work staff have expertise in a broad range of issues:
- Family and relationships
- Family planning
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling
- Pregnancy complications
- Pregnancy loss and bereavement
- Routine and high-risk pregnancy
The social work team is available to help you address these and other situations:
- Adjustment to pregnancy and motherhood
- Concerns about surgery, medical symptoms or disorders
- Evaluation of postpartum mood disorders
- Infertility
- Pregnancy loss
- Stress and worries of high-risk pregnancies
The Parent Connection
The Parent Connection is our free service offering an array of new parent groups and mentoring services. Our program also provides support for these issues:
- Postpartum mood disorders
- Guidance on caring for your baby
- Resources to help you understand your baby’s development
Fully Coordinated Specialty Care
We provide coordinated and interdisciplinary care for pregnancies affected by fetal anomalies and other complex fetal conditions. We work in partnership with our pediatric colleagues at the Maternal Fetal Care Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. Our team will collaborate with you, our pediatric experts and your primary obstetric team to ensure a comprehensive care plan built around your specific needs.
Depending on your needs — and your baby’s needs — your care may include these and other experts:
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
- Maternal-fetal medicine nurse coordinator
- Primary obstetrician
- Prenatal and pediatric genetics
- Perinatal social work
- Newborn intensive care unit (NICU) staff
- Pediatric fetal radiologists
- Pediatric surgeons and other specialists
