Pregnancy should be an exciting and joyous time, but complications can cause significant distress and anxiety. Women with a high-risk pregnancy or gestational diabetes are often cared for by maternal and fetal medicine doctors, who specialize in providing comprehensive support for complicated pregnancies.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s maternal and fetal medicine doctors help women and their families understand the complications, and work to achieve the best possible outcome. Many of our doctors are members of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

What is a Maternal and Fetal Medicine Doctor?

A maternal and fetal medicine doctor is an OB/Gyn sub-specialist who has completed two or three years of fellowship training, after completing a four-year OB/Gyn residency upon graduation from medical school. During fellowship training, maternal and fetal medicine doctors gain special expertise in caring for mothers and fetuses with complex issues.

Who Do They Care For?

At PAMF, the maternal and fetal medicine doctors at our certified Prenatal Diagnostic Center provide specialized follow-up care for patients with an abnormal alpha fetoprotein test, which often indicates fetal spinal bifida.

Our maternal and fetal medicine doctors also see patients before or during pregnancy for a wide variety of other conditions and circumstances, including:

• Advanced maternal age
• Diabetes or other endocrine disorders
• Genetic amniocentesis
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Infectious diseases
• Kidney or gastrointestinal disease
• Preeclampsia
• Pregnant with multiple children
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Recurrent preterm labor and delivery
• Suspected fetal growth restriction

Do They Interact With OB/Gyns?

Your OB/Gyn may recommend seeing a maternal and fetal medicine doctor as part of your high-risk pregnancy care. A maternal and fetal medicine doctor works collaboratively with your regular OB/Gyn, who continues overseeing care throughout your pregnancy and delivers your baby.