What is the purpose of a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist?

[kg706]

Husband here.

I have to pay a copay for this vs. none for the OB. What do they do that’s value added?

Wife will be 42 at birth. This is her only risk factor. 2 healthy full-term vaginal pregnancies and one 7 week miscarriage.

Seems like they just take a lot of ultrasound measurements and pictures.

Please educate me!

 

[tork1369]

@kg706 They undertake a lot more specialized training after they are able to practice as an OB, usually 2 years of additional training on high-risk pregnancies after completing their residencies.

I’d take advantage of their expertise. The fact that they have been referred means that your partner is going to get excellent care in the lead up to and following delivery. Having access to that specialist means you have access to an OB AND someone that will have the skill set to more likely be able to help out if something goes awry.

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine will have way more info on what MFM specialist do. https://www.smfm.org

 

[kg706]

@tork1369 I'll check it out, thanks.