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Prenatal

When you’re told that you or your baby needs extended monitoring during a pregnancy complicated by a congenital anomaly or fetal diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming. This is especially true when you are cared for within a fetal center. Perhaps you came in for a routine appointment, or maybe something unexpected happened that brought you to the hospital. Either way, the news that you’ll need to stay longer can stir up a whirlwind of emotions — worry, frustration, loneliness, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. If you’re reading this, you may be facing this reality as an expectant parent within a fetal center right now, or perhaps you want to be prepared just in case. In a fetal center, the need for extended monitoring varies greatly, but it’s a precaution that helps ensure both you and your baby receive the specialized care you need, and there are ways to make […]

Discovering you’ve been referred to a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding this pivotal step in your prenatal care journey can transform uncertainty into empowerment. Whether you’re facing a high-risk pregnancy, managing a chronic condition, or simply need specialized monitoring, an MFM specialist brings advanced expertise to support both you and your growing baby. Here’s what that referral means and what you can expect next. What is Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)? Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are dual-board-certified obstetricians with advanced training in high-risk pregnancy, and many people also use the term high-risk obstetrician for MFM specialists. There’s an additional layer to the MFM meaning beyond just the acronym. The hyphen in maternal-fetal medicine represents medicine that treats maternal and fetal health as fundamentally linked. It’s an approach to care that recognizes you can’t truly focus on outcomes for the baby without also caring for the mother, and […]

Prenatal genetic counseling and preconception (the time period and care that happens prior to pregnancy) genetic counseling and testing offer ways to gain further information and education that can help patients and families make informed decisions about their pregnancy and for preconception planning. There are many testing options available nowadays with different benefits, risks, and limitations. This article lays the foundation for essential questions you may have, such as: However, it’s important to keep in mind that genetic counseling and genetic testing are voluntary — it’s your choice. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reaffirmed in January 2026 that, “After pretest counseling, every patient has the right to pursue or decline prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing.” So, keep the communication open with your OB/GYN, or maternal-fetal medicine doctors, about the types of testing you’re comfortable with and what the information means (and what it doesn’t). […]

Flu season is hitting hard this year, with flu‑related hospitalizations already ranking among the highest seen at this point in the season in more than a decade. For anyone, that’s concerning — but for women who are pregnant, even a mild fever or sore throat can raise understandable worry. Pregnancy changes the way the body responds to infections, and questions like “What can I safely take for a fever while pregnant?” become part of everyday decision‑making. Fortunately, there are proven, safe ways to reduce the risk of severe illness. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the inactivated flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, and Nemours maternal‑fetal medicine experts emphasize that receiving the flu shot is far safer than experiencing the flu itself while expecting. With clear guidance and evidence‑based recommendations, health care teams aim to help expecting parents feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate […]

The decision to become pregnant is a significant life choice. By working with healthcare experts in advance, you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy and a positive outcome. If you’re planning to conceive, consider scheduling a preconception consultation with your healthcare provider several months to a year before attempting to get pregnant. This allows time to implement any necessary lifestyle adjustments or prenatal testing they recommend. If you have concerns or anticipate a high-risk pregnancy, talk to your doctor to see if they recommend consulting a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist for any extra guidance and care. What is Preconception Care? Preconception care is taking proactive steps to optimize your health before getting pregnant, which evidence suggests can significantly impact the possibility of a healthy pregnancy. In fact, as the clinical evidence continues to support this idea, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has developed an online preconception […]

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus (or “RSV”) is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Is RSV contagious? Yes, it’s considered highly contagious because it spreads similarly to the common cold. For example, RSV can spread when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes near you or your baby. It can also spread when you or your baby touch surfaces contaminated with RSV droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone can get RSV, but most people are infected for the first time as infants or toddlers. Protecting children from RSV involves exploring new immunization options for moms and babies. What Is RSV? RSV is a common and widespread virus. In most regions of the United States, RSV season starts during fall and peaks in the […]