Saint Luke’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists

A woman experiencing a high-risk pregnancy requires specialized care for her and her unborn baby. Should complications arise during a pregnancy, Saint Luke’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists will provide the necessary expert and personalized care. Our care team works collaboratively to serve the increased needs of high-risk pregnancies and to ensure the best care plan is in place for moms and babies.

At Saint Luke’s, close monitoring and consistent communication let us better coordinate a personalized care plan. Our team can provide co-managed care with the referring OB-GYN or complete care from pre-conception through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum.

Conditions we treat

• Autoimmune diseases
• Cervical insufficiency
• Connective tissue disease
• Diabetes in pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes
• Heart conditions in pregnancy
• High-risk pregnancy
• Maternal mental health
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Preeclampsia
• Pregnancy loss
• Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Tests and procedures

• Amniocentesis
• Cervical cerclage
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Fetal blood sampling
• Fetal echocardiology
• Fetal surveillance including non-stress tests, contraction stress test, and biophysical profile ultrasounds
• Genetic counseling
• Genetic screening tests
• High-resolution ultrasound studies
• Nuchal translucency
• 2D and 3D ultrasound

Our team

Our team includes:

• Maternal-fetal medicine physicians: Dual board-certified or board-eligible physicians in OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specializing in managing complicated pregnancies or performing complex procedures involving the mother and/or baby
• Laborists: Board-certified OB-GYNs experienced in delivering high-risk pregnancies
• Nurse practitioners: Dedicated to caring for only high-risk patients
• Board-certified genetic counselor
• Maternal-fetal coordinator: A nurse who coordinates prenatal appointments with pediatric specialists
• Certified diabetes care and education specialists: Nurses who assist in diabetes care during pregnancy
• Registered nurses
• Sonographers

Insurance

View accepted insurance list.

Commonly asked questions

What is the difference between a maternal-fetal medicine physician and an OB-GYN?

A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist receives a traditional obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) education, but with an additional three years of training to learn how to treat medical complications related to pregnancy.

Why would I need a MFM physician?

High-risk pregnancies require extra care. OB-GYNs and MFMs work together to provide the best care possible for mom and baby.

Certain factors such as age (being over 35 or under 17) and health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, etc.) may cause a woman to have a high-risk pregnancy. Another factor is a mother with multiple babies.

Complications can be maternal or fetal. Some women have pre-existing conditions that require special follow up, while other women develop medical conditions because of pregnancy.

Patients may be referred to us by their physician for a variety of reasons, including:

• Consultation
• Detailed ultrasound
• Genetic counseling
• Genetic diagnostic procedure
• Other testing

Can I see a MFM physician before I’m pregnant?

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, have had high-risk pregnancies in the past, or have a genetic disorder, you may benefit from a consultation with a MFM physician before trying to get pregnant. We can help address medical concerns or recommend lifestyle changes that can help you have a healthier pregnancy and reduce risks during pregnancy.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

The first appointment is a consultation appointment which includes an ultrasound assessment of your pregnancy. Your MFM physician will review any available medical records, surgical history, medications, or environmental exposures, and prenatal labs or screening tests. Your family history is also important to mention, if you have any concerns, to provide a complete picture of your health. 

Why would I be referred to an MFM for an ultrasound?

MFM physicians have specialized training in fetal ultrasound. An ultrasound is used to determine gestational age and assess for abnormalities with the fetus. The imaging requirements of an MFM ultrasound (level III) are highly meticulous and differ from that an ultrasound with your OB-GYN. This detailed scan may be necessary when there is a clinical concern that needs clarification. There is no pain or discomfort during the examination and no known harmful effects for the fetus or mother.

I’ve been referred to an MFM physician for care, does this mean my baby has a problem?

Most patients are routinely referred to an MFM physician for evaluation and reassurance. Many patients are in a high-risk category due to their age, health history, family history, or a medical condition. Just because a patient is referred to an MFM doesn’t mean there is an issue, most of the time patients leave feeling confident everything will be ok.

Sometimes your OB-GYN finds a concern and would like clarification. They refer you to an expert in maternal-fetal care for consultation and assistance. If we do find a concern, we are here to support you throughout your pregnancy.

What is genetic counseling?

Prenatal genetic counselors work with patients who have an increased chance of having a child with a birth defect or genetic condition.

Patients who are already pregnant or are considering having a child in the future can meet with our board-certified genetic counselor to learn more about the condition in question, understand their risks more clearly, and discuss options for prenatal screening and testing.