Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine | Conditions & Treatments

Overview

UR Medicine Maternal-Fetal Medicine is a multidisciplinary obstetrics practice dedicated to the health of pregnant individuals and their infants with high-risk medical needs. From common pregnancy complications to rare conditions, our collective experience in complex pregnancies makes us a leader in high-risk obstetrics care.

We offer a full range of evaluations for both the parent carrying the pregnancy and the infant(s). Our care team will guide you through your pregnancy—before, during, and after delivery.

Maternal-fetal medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of pregnant individuals with high-risk pregnancies. This includes patients with a history of previous complicated pregnancies, chronic health conditions, or medical issues that arise unexpectedly.

A maternal-fetal medicine specialist, also called a perinatologist, specializes in high-risk pregnancy care and has advanced expertise in ultrasound evaluation of the developing baby. UR Medicine Maternal-Fetal Medicine has the largest number of perinatologists in the region. We offer a variety of services to both individuals with normal pregnancies and those who are high-risk.

You may be referred to our office for a variety of reasons, including your own health conditions or findings on your baby.

Some of the ways we typically receive referrals to see women include:

Preconception Care and Consultation: If you and your doctor have a question about a medical condition, medication, or other issue as you plan for pregnancy, we can help with evaluation and discussion surrounding the best options to manage your care.

Fetal Evaluation and Care: Routine pregnancy ultrasound, or to evaluate conditions found at another office or provider.

Genetic Evaluation and Testing: Pregnant individuals with risk factors for, family history of, or questions about a genetic condition may be seen by an MFM specialist and/or our Reproductive Genetics Team to discuss and undergo pregnancy testing.

Pregnancy Management: For some pregnant individuals, prenatal care with an MFM specialist is needed for conditions affecting the parent or the fetus.

Labor and Delivery: MFMs work with other obstetrics providers to ensure high quality care during labor and childbirth. We provide expert advice to your obstetrician on when to induce labor and when and how to monitor the fetal heart rate. Our training provides us with advanced skills for attending complicated births, such as vacuum or forceps-assisted births, breech delivery, twin delivery, complex cesarean birth, or trial of labor after cesarean.

Transfer from Another Hospital: If you have unexpected complications or issues arise in your pregnancy, you may be transferred from your hospital to the University of Rochester Medical Center for care and possible delivery.

A high-risk pregnancy consultation prior to conception is recommended if you have a chronic medical condition or other health concerns. By taking care of yourself first, you are already anticipating parenthood and preparing your body for conception.

A consultation is recommended if you have a history of the following:

Anemia
Autoimmune disorders
Blood clotting disorders
Cancer
Diabetes
Epilepsy and seizure disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders
Heart disease
Hypertension
Infectious diseases (HIV, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus)
Kidney disease
Mental health conditions or concerns
Neurological disorders
Nutritional issues
Obesity
Pulmonary conditions
Thyroid disorders

UR Medicine's Approach

Pushing the boundaries of education and innovation to improve health outcomes for women and their babies.

Our patient-centered focus, dedication, and understanding of critical challenges faced during pregnancy allow us to deliver the care and compassion you need during a highly stressful gestational period.

Coordinated Maternal-Fetal Care Team

Because patients with complex pregnancy concerns require specialized care, our team provides a collaborative group practice. You will meet members of our dedicated team during your pregnancy and before your delivery. The team meets weekly to discuss and manage your unique medical needs, and they speak with other medical specialists to ensure that care is coordinated across maternal/parental and pediatric teams.

Patient care is individualized, and we partner with you, your family, and your other providers to navigate your pregnancy.

Our Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists specialize in the care of maternal disease and fetal complications in pregnancy. Each specialist only treats two patients at one time in order to truly partner with you, your family, and your other providers to navigate your pregnancy.

Depending on your medical needs, your care team may include:

Behavioral Health Specialists
Board-certified maternal-fetal medicine physicians (high-risk obstetricians)
Board-certified genetics physician
Breastfeeding and Lactation Specialists
Fetal Care Coordinator
Neonatologists
Obstetric Sonographers
Palliative Care Physicians
Pediatric Cardiologists
Perinatal Loss Specialists
Registered Nutritionist/Dietitians
Reproductive Genetics Counselors
Social Workers

Customized Treatment Plans

Since each family has unique needs, we will work with you to develop a customized management plan for before, during and after your pregnancy. We will make sure you feel comfortable with the plan that is put in place for you and your growing family.

Our specialists work directly with your current providers whenever possible to co-manage appropriate conditions with no need to transfer. This can ensure you maintain the relationships you have already established.

For more complex maternal or fetal conditions, we can see you directly for your complete pregnancy care to help coordinate delivery and care at UR Medicine’s Strong Memorial Hospital and UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. After delivery, you will return to your current OB/GYN provider for ongoing care.

Comprehensive Care

Our physicians integrate services with other specialists to provide comprehensive care for pregnant people. Related fields include cardiology, genetics, internal medicine, endocrinology, rheumatology, pulmonary medicine, and psychiatry.

By combining areas of expertise, our multidisciplinary team is able to offer a wide array of safe diagnostic and therapeutic resources.

What Sets Us Apart?

At UR Medicine Maternal-Fetal Medicine, our goal is to prepare and inform you through every step of your journey. Our multidisciplinary, high-risk obstetrics team has the clinical training and expertise to diagnose and treat the many factors that can lead to a premature or complicated delivery.

Advanced technologies, experience in complex pregnancies, and the largest team of board-certified maternal-fetal care specialists make us Upstate New York’s leader in maternal and fetal health.

We specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medical issues in pregnancy and concerns with fetal health and development. This expertise enables our physicians to focus on improved outcomes for both pregnant person and child. Our collaborative healthcare model ensures that you are being seen by the top experts and technicians in the fields of maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, ultrasound, and lactation.