Maternal fetal medicine (MFM)

Sometimes routine prenatal care isn’t enough to ensure the health of both you and your baby. When you and your baby need specialized care, our maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialists are here with expertise in caring for mothers and babies during high-risk pregnancies and after birth.

Our maternal fetal medicine (MFM) experts, also known as perinatologists, provide the the latest diagnostic testing and prenatal care you need to avoid complications during your pregnancy and welcome your family's newest member safely.

What is maternal and fetal medicine?

Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) is a specialized branch of obstetrics that focuses on managing high-risk pregnancies.

Perinatologists are specialists in maternal and fetal medicine with advanced training in diagnosing, treating and monitoring complications that may affect you or your baby before, during or after pregnancy.

How is maternal-fetal medicine different from OB-GYN?

OB-GYNs provide comprehensive care for women throughout their reproductive years, including pregnancy, labor and delivery. Maternal fetal medicine specialists are OB-GYNs with additional training.

They provide specialized care for conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm labor, multiple pregnancies and fetal abnormalities. MFM specialists work closely with your OB-GYN to ensure the best possible outcomes for both you and your baby.

High-risk pregnancy prenatal care services

The multidisciplinary team of specialists at Aurora Maternal Metabolic Center includes a board-certified endocrinology physician with advanced training in reproductive medicine, as well as board-certified maternal fetal medicine physicians with expertise in medically complicated obstetrics and prenatal screening. We also offer education and counseling for diabetes plus exercise and nutrition as part of our prenatal care.

Our high-risk pregnancy and maternal fetal medicine services at our birthing centers include:

• Genetic testing, including first-trimester screenings, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis
• Genetic counseling, including evaluation if you’re preparing to be a mother over 35, if you already have children or family members with a genetic problem or birth defect, or if you have a high-risk pregnancy that was found through prenatal blood tests or ultrasound
• First-trimester screening for birth defects using early ultrasound, second-trimester detailed sonography to screen for birth defects and third-trimester screening to check the baby’s size, the amount of amniotic fluid and placental flow
• Prebirth (antenatal) ultrasound testing such as nonstress testing to check the baby's heart rate, biophysical profile to determine the baby’s well-being and amniotic fluid assessment to see how much fluid surrounds your baby
• Special consultation during or before pregnancy if you have medical complications such as diabetes, chronic hypertension, renal disease or a history of difficult pregnancies
• Consultation on management of pregnancies that are complicated by obstetrical or surgical conditions
• Experienced, specialized care for women with diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes), thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or other endocrine issues

Advanced ultrasounds

Your MFM specialists may perform ultrasounds that provide an in-depth look at your baby’s development. These ultrasounds can include:

• First-trimester screening ultrasound to check for birth defects and chromosomal conditions.
• Second-trimester anatomy scan to examine your baby’s organs, growth and overall development.
• Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow in the umbilical cord and placenta.
• Biophysical profile (BPP) to evaluate your baby’s movements, breathing and amniotic fluid levels. These advanced imaging techniques help detect potential issues early, allowing for timely medical intervention if necessary.

Neonatal intensive care units (NICU)

If your baby is born prematurely or has other health risks, we have NICUs that provide high level care.

Our Level II NICUs are equipped to handle newborn complications with onsite 24/7 neonatal nurse practitioners – nurses who have advanced training and certification in newborn, high-risk care. We offer immediate response to any neonatal emergency and are supported by on-call neonatologists 24/7.

Our Level III NICUs provide round-the-clock care from neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and respiratory therapists. They offer the highest level of neonatal care to infants born with complex or life-threatening conditions.

Personal story of a high-risk pregnancy and birth

Complications give way to gratitude

Mary Gabler shares her challenging path to motherhood.

Birthing center locations

• Aurora Medical Center – Grafton offers maternal-fetal medicine and Level II NICU.
• Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay offers maternal-fetal medicine and Level III NICU.
• Aurora Medical Center – Kenosha offers maternal-fetal medicine and Level II NICU.
• Aurora Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee offers maternal-fetal medicine and Level III NICU.
• Aurora Medical Center – Oshkosh offers maternal-fetal medicine.
• Aurora Medical Center – Sheboygan County offers Level II NICU.
• Aurora Medical Center – Summit offers maternal-fetal medicine and Level II NICU.
• Aurora West Allis Medical Center at the Women’s Pavilion offers maternal-fetal medicine and Level III NICU.