The Role of Maternal Fetal Medicine in Pregnancy Care
Pregnancy is a transformative experience filled with anticipation and joy. However, it can also present various medical challenges that require expert care with Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists.
We’re lucky to have one of NZ’s leading sub-specialists in Maternal Fetal Medicine here in Wellington, based at Wellington Obstetrics. In this article, we want to take you through the details of this specialised care and how you can gain access to it.
What is Maternal-Fetal Medicine?
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy. This highly specialised branch of Obstetrics focuses on managing and navigating high-risk pregnancies, offering advanced diagnostic services, and providing comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.
MFM specialists are Obstetricians with additional training in managing complicated pregnancies. They work closely with general obstetricians, midwives, neonatologists, paediatric surgeons and other healthcare professionals to provide optimal care for expectant mothers facing potential complications.
Key responsibilities of MFM specialists
Prenatal diagnosis and screening: One of the primary roles of a MFM specialist is to conduct detailed prenatal screening and diagnostic tests. These include advanced ultrasound evaluations, genetic testing, and amniocentesis. These tests help in early detection of fetal abnormalities, genetic disorders, and other potential issues.
Managing high-risk pregnancies: MFM specialists are trained to handle pregnancies complicated by conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, multiple gestations (twins or more), and preterm labour. They develop personalised care plans to manage these conditions and minimise risks to both mother and baby.
Fetal therapy: In certain cases, MFM specialists perform in-utero procedures to treat fetal conditions. These may include blood transfusions for fetuses with anaemia or shunt placements for specific structural abnormalities. Such interventions can significantly improve outcomes for affected babies.
Collaborative care: MFM specialists often work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with neonatologists, paediatric surgeons, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. This team approach is essential for managing complex cases that require coordinated efforts from various medical fields.
The impact of Maternal-Fetal Medicine on pregnancy care
New Zealand’s healthcare system places a strong emphasis on providing quality maternity care. The integration of Maternal-Fetal Medicine services into pregnancy care has brought numerous benefits, including:
Early detection and intervention: Advanced diagnostic capabilities allow for early detection of potential issues, enabling timely interventions that can improve outcomes.
Tailored care plans: Personalised care plans ensure that each woman receives care tailored to her specific needs, reducing the risks associated with high-risk pregnancies.
Improved maternal and fetal outcomes: With specialised management, the likelihood of complications during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period is significantly reduced.
Accessing MFM Services in New Zealand
Expectant mothers can access specialty services through a Maternal-Fetal Medicine referral form from their General Practitioner or Obstetrician. Several public hospitals across the country have dedicated MFM units staffed by experienced specialists. Wellington Obstetrics is privileged to have a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist as one of their Director Obstetricians, and we can help guide you through a high-risk pregnancy that gives you confidence.
Wellington Obstetrics — your specialised maternal-fetal medicine clinic
Wellington Obstetrics is lucky to have Dr Jaynaya (Jay) Marlow, who is an Obstetrician and a sub-specialist in Maternal and Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound. Jay is the National Clinical Director of Wāhi Rua NZ Maternal Fetal Medicine Network and is a Maternal and Fetal Medicine (MFM) sub-specialist at Wellington Hospital.
The role of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in pregnancy care in New Zealand is indispensable. By offering specialised care for high-risk pregnancies, MFM specialists ensure that both mothers and babies receive the best possible care. Through early detection, personalised care plans, and collaborative approaches, MFM significantly contributes to the health and well-being of families across the country.
Expectant parents navigating the complexities of a high-risk pregnancy need the expertise of a Maternal-Fetal Medicine clinic to provide reassurance and support and help them achieve the best possible outcomes. When you contact us for expert help in this field, you’ll have access to one of the leading providers of Maternal-Fetal Medicine based right here in Wellington.
We're here to support you through every step of this incredible journey. Find out more about our practitioners here.