Obstetrics - Perinatology Consults
Maternal Fetal Medicine for High Risk Pregnancies
For expectant mothers, the prospect of having a baby is both a joyous and exciting one, and most pregnancies proceed smoothly. But for a number of reasons, some women need to be watched more closely during pregnancy. In this case, the woman’s obstetrician may suggest she consult with a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians, also called perinatologists, are obstetricians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of expectant mothers and their unborn babies, who may be at high risk for special health problems.
Referral to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist should not cause undue alarm for expectant mothers. It does not necessarily mean the pregnancy will be a difficult one. Nor does it mean the baby will have health problems. Most often, it is simply a precautionary measure designed to protect both mother and a baby, while putting the expectant parents’ minds at ease.
Services provided by Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians include maternal and fetal medicine care, monitoring, ultrasound examinations, genetic testing, state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, tests for fetal well-being and more.
As the due date approaches, the Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician remains in close contact with the obstetrician who will deliver the baby and, if needed, the neonatologist who will oversee the baby’s care after birth. Smooth teamwork and good communication between the Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, obstetrician, and neonatologist ensure both mother and baby receive the best possible care, leading to success in most cases, despite problems that can be severe.
We are very fortunate in Sioux City to have a local physician, Dr. Alfred D Fleming with Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center. His clinic is in the same building as ours on the second floor and he is available five days a week. We will take care of arranging your appointment day and time. Dr. Fleming and our physicians work closely together and if the need arises for us to transfer you to another facility, we work closely with Dr. Michael Barsoom in Omaha or the physician/facility of your choice.