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.
What is 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.
What is a perinatologist?
A perinatologist is a physician who has been trained to manage high-risk pregnancies. In addition to medical school and a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology, these physicians have completed a two-year fellowship in perinatology.
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 the baby is delivered, and may bring together a team of specialists to aid in a successful birth.
