Treating Two Patients at the Same Time
“Maternal-Fetal” refers to both mother and baby during the time before birth, which means our specialists treat at least two patients at the same time—more, in the case of multiple births. Women with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, need highly specialized care during pregnancy to minimize risks for themselves and their babies. Often, women outside the optimum childbearing years, those under age 20 or over 35, need our help, too.
Even a healthy woman can experience unexpected issues during pregnancy, like early labor, bleeding, gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. We can help mothers manage these conditions and stay as healthy as possible. For the baby, if we discover fetal birth defects or growth problems, we can perform treatments such as blood transfusions and surgery before birth, to give babies the best possible start. Our team is also dedicated to the prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Division members are actively involved in clinical work and research to reduce the risk of preterm birth and preterm labor. We are active members of the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
World-renowned Care, the Latest Research and Advanced Technology
At UC Health, high-risk patients have access to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) team renowned for its remarkable expertise, dedication, compassion and extensive research in the field maternal and fetal care.
Having the latest technology is crucial, especially when our newborn patients arrive with complications. State-of-the-art equipment at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) supports the delicate work of these often complex cases. Our UC Health MFM specialists are in demand as members of larger multidisciplinary medical teams, too. They help care for patients at the Cincinnati Children’s Fetal Care Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center—home of one of the largest fetal surgery program in the nation. We’ve also gained a regional reputation for Diabetes care during pregnancy and the treatment of mothers with serious medical problems.