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Maternal and fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy)

Maternal and fetal medicine involves the care of a mother and her baby during pregnancy, birth and delivery. You may be referred to a perinatologist (maternal fetal medicine specialist) if you are pregnant with more than one baby have had problems with previous pregnancies are age 35 or older have pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor, gestational diabetes or preeclampsia have health problems.

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Maternal and fetal medicine involves the care of a mother and her baby during pregnancy, birth and delivery. 

You may be referred to a perinatologist (maternal fetal medicine specialist) if you:

  • are pregnant with more than one baby
  • have had problems with previous pregnancies
  • are age 35 or older
  • have pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor, gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
  • have health problems that may get worse during pregnancy

During a high-risk pregnancy, a perinatologist can help a woman have the healthiest possible pregnancy and birth.

Related links

Source: American Board of Medical Specialties; MedlinePlus; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Reviewed by: Lisa Saul, MD, president, Allina Health Mother Baby Clinical Service Line

First published: 6/13/2014
Last reviewed: 6/6/2009