
Maternal and fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy)
Learn more
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