Maternal-fetal doctors have the same training as OB-Gyns, along with three years of special training that enables them to deal with complicated pregnancies. They are skilled in diagnostic ultrasounds and procedures that involve direct access to the fetus inside the womb.
If a woman’s physician or OB-Gyn determines that there is a potential health problem for herself or her unborn baby, she is referred to the Maternal-Fetal Department at MacDonald for specialized care. Here, doctors work together to determine the nature of the problem and get the situation under control so that mother and baby can become healthy. They take advantage of the latest procedures and technology, such as 4-D imaging (ultrasound), to keep a close watch on the situation.
Nurses, counselors and support staff tend to the physical and emotional needs of a woman during this time. Maternal-Fetal doctors may work with a woman’s regular physician if she has a pre-existing condition such as diabetes. Pediatric specialists may be called upon to provide immediate attention once the baby is born.
The Antepartum (pre-birth) Unit provides 24-hour care to mothers who require hospitalization.
Follow-up care helps doctors to review the nature of a complicated pregnancy and see what can be done so that future pregnancies are “low risk.”
The Maternal-Fetal Department at MacDonald also works with women who are considering pregnancy but may be at high risk because of their health or of a complicated past pregnancy. Doctors may encourage a woman to wait until her health improves before becoming pregnant.