Skip to Main Content

 

About Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Not every expectant mother needs the highly-specialized care of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. But when pregnancy complications arise, our experienced team works in partnership with your family physician or obstetrician to help ensure a safe delivery with the best possible outcome.

Throughout pregnancy, delivery and recovery, our patients have access to the trusted, high-quality care offered through the Avera Women's Center and entire Avera system of care. And if needed, Avera's experienced neonatologists, NICU team and pediatric specialists are close at hand to provide the best in newborn care.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Maternal-Fetal Medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology, dealing with high-risk pregnancies. We care for expectant mothers who may have a history of pregnancy loss, premature labor, previous pregnancy complications or special health concerns such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Avera Maternal-Fetal Medicine provides:

  • Office consultations
  • Genetic counseling
  • First trimester screening for aneuploidy
  • Prenatal diagnostic testing:
    Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
    Amniocentesis
    Fetal blood sampling
  • 3D/4D obstetrical ultrasounds
  • Management of high-risk pregnancies
  • Routine and high-resolution ultrasound screening

Learn about the services we offer »

Perinatologist

A perinatologist, or Maternal-Fetal Specialist, is an obstetrician/gynecologist who has completed two to three years of additional training and formal education in the management of high-risk pregnancies. they have advanced knowledge of the obstetrical, medical, genetic and surgical complications of pregnancy and their effects on the mother and the fetus. Meet the Maternal-Fetal Medicine team »

You may be referred to a perinatologist if your physician feels that you are experiencing problems, or if you are at risk for complications during your pregnancy. Perinatologists can make a complicated diagnosis in order to effectively prevent or correct a problem before delivery, and may bring together a team of specialists to aid in a successful birth.

What might cause your provider to refer you to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist?

  • Maternal medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
  • A history of preterm delivery
  • Advanced maternal age
  • Expecting more than one baby
  • A history of recurrent miscarriages
  • Abnormal prenatal screen or test
  • Known or suspected fetal abnormalities (or birth defects)
  • Teratogen exposure during pregnancy
  • Family history of a genetic condition such as muscular dystrophy or Fragile X syndrome

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is the process by which expectant parents are advised of their risk of passing genetic disorders on to their children, the nature and consequences of these disorders, as well as management options in order to prevent, avoid or reduce their effects. There are a variety of situations when your physician may suggest adding the services of a genetic counselor, as part of your comprehensive health care team.