Why do I need to see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is a specially trained physician who works with OB/GYNs in a co-management capacity to provide with the best care possible during your pregnancy. You might need to establish a relationship with a maternal-fetal medicine doctor if you had chronic issues before pregnancy or developed them during pregnancy. This type of skilled practitioner helps if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- Diabetes, including gestational diabetes
- Advanced maternal age (over 35)
- Obesity or being overweight before pregnancy
- Recommended bed rest
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatologic disorders (ie: lupus, Sjogren’s, etc)
Your dedicated maternal-fetal medicine specialist has you check in regularly to monitor you and your growing baby, and provides any necessary treatments.
What happens during a maternal-fetal medicine appointment?
Your maternal-fetal medicine appointment at TLC Perinatal PA is personalized to you. Depending on your health, fetal development, and any concerns you might have, your visit will almost always include a gestationally age appropriate ultrasound with review by one of the healthcare practitioners and can also include:
- Blood testing or urinalysis
- Dietary and nutritional counseling
- Labor and delivery planning for high-risk deliveries
- Checking for genetic abnormalities with amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (among others)
Your examination might also include other types of tests and evaluations that are designed to identify any new risks. If you need any sort of treatment, including management of insulin dosages if you have diabetes, you can get the specialized care you need at TLC Perinatal PA.
How do I prepare for a maternal-fetal medicine exam?
Whether you just became pregnant or have been struggling to manage a chronic condition throughout your pregnancy, the caring team at TLC Perinatal PA can treat you. To help you prepare for your appointment and to get the most out of your one-on-one time with your maternal-fetal medicine specialist, it’s helpful to:
- Write down a list of your concerns or questions
- Gather medical records from other providers, including your primary care doctor
- Bring in a list of your current medications, including dietary supplements
Being pregnant can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you have health issues to worry about. Rest assured though, the top-rated maternal-fetal medicine specialists at TLC Perinatal PA do everything they can to ensure your entire pregnancy and delivery goes as smoothly as possible.
Schedule your maternal-fetal medicine visit at TLC Perinatal PA today. Click on the online scheduler or call your most convenient office.
