Maternal Fetal Medicine

⮜ Return to Mother & Baby

You’re expecting a baby — congratulations! Just as every woman is different, so is every pregnancy. Some proceed along smoothly with no surprises. Others may mean that you and your unborn baby need some extra-special attention.

Appointments

Refer Patient

Clinical Trials

The Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) care team at Stormont Vail are high-risk pregnancy experts. They provide women and their families with the medical care, support and education they need to deliver a health baby.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and think you may be a high-risk patient, talk to your OB/GYN about your concerns and if they would recommend you add a MFM specialist to your healthcare team.

Specific factors that may contribute to a high-risk pregnancy include:

Advanced Maternal Age

If you are age 35 or over

Lifestyle choices

Smoking cigarettes
Drinking alcohol
Using illegal drugs

Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart conditions
Obesity
Eating disorders

A History of Pregnancy Complications

Pre-term labor
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Low birth weight
Hypertension disorders

Pregnancy Complications

Unusual placenta position
Fetal growth restriction
Rhesus (Rh) sensitization

Carrying Multiples

Twins
Triplets
or More!

Susan & Loren Birth Story

Meet new parents Susan and Loren McMillan! Susan was unexpectedly diagnosed with gestational diabetes which changed the way she was going to need care. The Stormont Vail Health Mother & Baby team not only specialize in high-risk pregnancies, but they were able to keep Susan and Loren comfortable and calm throughout the entire 39-week pregnancy and after the birth of their son.

Hear how Stormont Vail Health has been there for the McMillan family every step of the way.

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Conditions We Treat

Amniotic Fluid Disorder

Autoimmune Disorders

Cervical Insufficiency

Chronic Maternal Health Disorders

Diabetes & Gestational Diabetes

Fetal Conditions

Genetic Disorders

High Blood Pressure

High-Risk Pregnancy

Kidney Disease

Multiple Gestation/Birth

Pregnancy Complications

Preterm Labor/Birth

Preterm Rupture of Membranes

Placenta Previa

Preeclampsia

Thyroid Conditions

Treatments & Procedures

Abruptio Placenta

Cesarean Section

Level of Care/Obstetrics

Refers to the kind of treatment for obstetric patients, or pregnant women. Hospitals have a kind of checklist or guide about how to identify women or developing babies who are at high risk. Some hospitals can take care of you if you are considered high risk. Others may want to refer you to a hospital that is more prepared to handle a higher level of care.

Birth Centers – Care for low-risk women with uncomplicated pregnancies who are expected to have uncomplicated labor. These are pregnancies with only one baby who is positioned with his/her head down.
Level I – Care for uncomplicated pregnancies, but have the ability to detect, stability and initiate management of unanticipated maternal-fetal or neonatal problems that could occur before, during or after labor, until a patient could be transferred to a facility where specialty maternal care is available.
Level II – Provides all the care available at a Level I facility, plus can care for some high-risk pregnancies that are either directly admitted or transferred from another facility.
Level III – Provides all the care available at a Level II facility, plus can care for more complex maternal medical conditions, pregnancy complications and fetal conditions.
Level IV – Provides all the care available at a Level III facility, plus can provide on-site medical and surgical care of the most complex maternal conditions and critically ill women and fetuses.

OB/GYN (Obstetrician/Gynecologist)

Ultrasound or Sonogram

Health Library

Postpartum depression

OverviewThe birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression. Most new moms experience postpartum “baby blues” after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues…

Placental abruption

Overview × The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before birth. Placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause heavy bleeding in the mother. In some cases, early delivery is needed. Placental…