Maternal-fetal medicine is a branch of obstetrics and gynecology that deals with high-risk conditions of both the mother and her unborn baby.  Maternal-fetal medicine specialists work collaboratively with your obstetrician or primary care physician to develop a plan of care designed to address your individual needs and particular medical history.

Women who are at high risk are monitored and treated by the maternal-fetal medicine specialists, in collaboration with their primary physician,  to ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible for both the mother and the newborn.

Reasons to See a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

The following is a list of the more common reasons women are referred for a maternal-fetal medicine consult:

• Parental reassurance
• Follow-up for abnormal first and second trimester serum screening
• Previous pregnancy loss
• Advanced maternal age
• A pregnancy involving multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• An underlying disease such as hypertension, diabetes or HIV
• A family history of disorders that could put the mother or fetus at risk
• Pregnancy conditions such as preterm labor, placental problems and fetal growth concerns
• Known or suspected birth defects

Scope of Services

In addition to consultation services prior to and during pregnancy, our maternal-fetal medicine specialists may utilize a variety of tests and procedures to assess risk in patients.  Ultrasounds and procedures frequently performed by maternal-fetal medicine specialists include:

• Gestational dating ultrasound
• First trimester screening ultrasound (Nuchal Translucency)
• Level II ultrasound - detailed evaluation of fetal anatomy usually performed at 20 to 22 weeks gestation.  At times, 3-D ultrasound is used to evaluate fetal anatomy as well.
• Fetal heart ultrasound
• Genetic amniocentesis
• Chorionic Villus sampling
• Growth ultrasound and umbilical cord doppler ultrasound
• Biophysical profile ultrasound
• Non-stress test (NST/fetal heart rate monitoring)

Advance Knowledge

Information obtained often helps couples make informed decisions which can optimize the outcome of the pregnancy, and may lead to interventions that can greatly improve the baby's chances outside of the womb.

The maternal-fetal medicine specialists, often working in conjunction with the genetic counselor , strive to help couples get a clear picture of what is happening in their pregnancy.  The overall goal of the maternal-fetal medicine department is to meet the unique needs of patients and their families.

Our Physicians

Thomas Losure, D.O.

Mark Kalchbrenner, D.O.

Referral

A physician referral is required to schedule an appointment with our maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

Appointments

For more information about maternal-fetal medicine services at Delnor or to schedule an appointment, call High Risk Obstetrics and Diagnostics at (630)208-4292.