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Maternal Fetal Medicine

Maternal Fetal Medicine is a subspecialty of the Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/Gyn) Department at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF). Most women seek consultation from or care by Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) doctors because they are "at risk" and considering becoming pregnant, or they are already pregnant and have high risk or complicated pregnancies or are otherwise worried about their pregnancies.

PAMF's Maternal Fetal Medicine Department is a certified Prenatal Diagnostic Center for follow-up care for patients with an abnormal alpha fetoprotein test.

MFM specialists provide the following care and can treat women with the following conditions, or those undergoing certain procedures, before or during pregnancy, including:

Advanced maternal age (equal to or greater than 35)
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Preeclampsia
Diabetes or other endocrine disorders
Kidney or gastrointestinal disease
Infectious diseases
Genetic amniocentesis, fetal treatment
Abnormal alpha fetoprotein blood test
Multiples (twins, triplets or more)
Recurrent preterm labor and delivery
Premature rupture of membranes
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Suspected fetal growth restriction

Q: What types of expertise do MFM specialists have to treat at-risk pregnancies?

A: A MFM doctor is an OB/Gyn sub-specialist who has completed two to three years of MFM fellowship after completing four years of OB/Gyn residency upon graduation from medical school. During fellowship training, MFM doctors gain special expertise in caring for both mother and fetus due to various obstetrical, medical and surgical complications of pregnancy.

Q: How does the MFM specialist coordinate care with the patient's regular OB/Gyn doctor?

A: If necessary, your OB/Gyn doctor will refer you to an MFM doctor for specialized care. The MFM doctor will work collaboratively with your regular OB/Gyn, who will continue overseeing your care throughout your pregnancy and will deliver your baby.