Maternal Fetal Medicine

About 6 to 8 percent of all pregnancies are thought to be “high risk”. This means that a maternal or fetal condition is present that could affect the health or well being of the mother or the baby. The UTMB Maternal Fetal Medicine Division has the training and expertise to care for any of these “high risk" conditions.

Although many general obstetrician gynecologist have experience in caring for high risk patients, at times the unique skills of a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist or “Perinatologist” can be beneficial. Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists undergo three years of extra training after completion of their Ob/Gyn training. Perinatologist specialize in the care of women with complicated medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures and maternal cardiac disorders. They also receive training in ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy.