Expert maternal–fetal medicine care for women in Brooklyn

Pregnancy is an exciting time. If you have an underlying condition or experience a complication, it can also be overwhelming. The maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) specialists at Maimonides Health are here to help. Our experts deliver advanced treatments. We perform complex procedures to ensure you have the best pregnancy outcome possible.

Our MFM specialists partner with other women’s health and pediatric experts to provide comprehensive care. We see patients, perform testing, provide counseling, and complete procedures in the Maimonides Doctors Multispecialty Pavilion.

What is a maternal–fetal medicine specialist?

An MFM specialist is also called a perinatologist. They are obstetrician–gynecologists (OB/GYNs) who are experts in diagnosing and treating women with high-risk pregnancies. Your pregnancy may be high-risk if either you or your baby has a health complication, such as a chronic or genetic condition.

MFM providers work closely with your care team to provide pre-pregnancy counseling and testing. We help you understand how pregnancy may affect you and your unborn child. As ultrasound experts, we can detect and diagnose genetic disorders and birth abnormalities as early as possible.

MFM specialists assist with your delivery when needed. At Maimonides, many of our MFM specialists also perform complex obstetric procedures to treat health problems that can develop during your pregnancy.

Who needs a maternal–fetal medicine specialist?

If your pregnancy is high risk, our MFM specialists can provide the extra care you need. A high-risk pregnancy doesn’t always mean that something is wrong or that your pregnancy is dangerous. But it does mean we need to keep a closer eye on you.

Some common reasons for needing an MFM specialist include:

• Abnormal prenatal screening results
• Being over 35
• Family history of genetic disorders
• History of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure)
• Multiple gestations (twins, triplets, or more)
• Previous miscarriages or stillbirths
• Risk of preterm labor
• Serious health conditions like autoimmune disorders, diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, or seizures

Call to schedule: 718-283-7979
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What to expect from maternal–fetal medicine care

Our MFM providers are here for you at every stage of your pregnancy—from preconception to postdelivery. When you come to us, you can be confident you’ll receive complete, compassionate care.

Before pregnancy

If your OB/GYN feels your pregnancy will be high-risk, our MFM specialists can work with you to create a plan for a healthy pregnancy. Before you get pregnant, we can explain how any chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure may affect you and your baby. If you’ve had multiple miscarriages or stillbirths, our providers can explore the reasons why. And they can also offer guidance about which medications and treatments are safe during pregnancy.

During pregnancy

During your pregnancy, our MFM specialists offer multiple services to protect the health of you and your baby. We provide:

• Diagnostic services – We use multiple screening tests, including advanced ultrasound, amniocentesis, blood tests, and fetal echocardiograms. These tests detect congenital conditions, genetic abnormalities, and growth delays. The results can help us determine if you need surgery or another procedure during your pregnancy.
• Genetic counseling – Our genetic counselors can explain how a genetic condition or abnormality will impact your pregnancy and your baby’s health after birth. They can connect you with additional support resources within Maimonides and the surrounding community.
• Health monitoring – Your health directly impacts your unborn baby. We can monitor any preexisting conditions. And we can help manage any complications that may develop while you’re pregnant.
• Multiple birth checks – If you’re pregnant with twins, triplets, or more, you’re at risk of an early delivery. We can monitor your babies’ growth and development, take steps to keep them safe, and correct any potential problems before birth.

After pregnancy

Our MFM providers partner with our intensive care experts to care for any complications you experience after giving birth. This may include heavy bleeding or infections. We also work with Maimonides’ pediatric intensive care specialists to deliver any advanced care your baby needs.

The Maimonides maternal–fetal medicine difference

The Maimonides MFM program is unique. We offer the most comprehensive maternal–fetal medicine services. Your care can start before you even get pregnant. We’ll be by your side throughout your pregnancy and walk with you through your postpartum journey. Here are just a few ways MFM care at Maimonides is different.

Complex obstetrics procedures

We are one of only 10 programs nationwide to offer a complex surgery program that treats a wide range of pregnancy complications. Our MFM experts work with your primary care provider to perform any necessary procedure you may need.

Every year, our complex obstetric surgery team completes approximately 100 complicated C-sections for conditions such as placenta accreta spectrum, placenta previa, history of multiple abdominal surgeries that may make your C-section more difficult, fibroids requiring excision during delivery (cesarean myomectomy) and C-section for those with higher BMI. We are a Center of Excellence for Placenta Accreta Spectrum, a condition often requiring a hysterectomy during childbirth (removal of the uterus). We perform obstetric hysterectomies when necessary. However, if certain criteria are met, we may also offer other interventions to avoid removing your uterus (conservative management for placenta accreta).

First trimester ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging gives you the first look at your baby. It’s also a powerful diagnostic tool that can identify problems with your baby’s development. Our MFM providers know the importance of early detection. That’s why we’re one of the only hospitals nationwide to offer ultrasound during your first trimester instead of waiting until the second trimester.

All our patients receive this service. Based on your imaging results, we can provide timely treatment or counseling.

Ultrasound enhanced with artificial intelligence

We use artificial intelligence (AI) to help analyze your ultrasound results. These digital tools guarantee we capture the clearest pictures of your baby. They ensure we give you the most accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate targeted treatments.

Fourth Trimester Program

At Maimonides, we know your medical needs don’t stop when your baby is born. Through our Fourth Trimester Program, our OB specialists monitor your primary care needs, such as blood pressure or diabetes risk, for a year postdelivery. If you have an abnormal test result, AI tools alert our experts, so they can get you the quick care you need. The program’s goal is to help you avoid any negative outcomes and future pregnancy complications.

Genetic counseling

Genetic counseling at Maimonides often starts before you have any genetic testing. In a group meeting, our MFM specialists, your obstetrician, and one of our genetic counselors will talk with you about the pros and cons of genetic testing before you undergo amniocentesis. This test analyzes amniotic fluid to detect genetic disorders. They will explain what your results could mean for you and your baby. And they’ll help you plan the future of your pregnancy.

Our group also performs hundreds of invasive genetic tests every year. These include chorionic villi sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. When indicated, these tests can confirm a genetic problem with your baby, when suspected based on ultrasound findings or screening blood tests done by your OB provider.

If your child’s test results reveal a genetic condition, our MFM providers can refer you to a Maimonides pediatric specialist who is an expert in treating that disorder. One of our social workers can connect you with community resources for additional support.

Call to schedule: 718-283-7979
Schedule an appointment online