Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Johns Hopkins
Expert maternal-fetal medicine care for low and high-risk pregnancies with advanced diagnostics.
Understanding Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Maternal-fetal medicine is a specialized field within obstetrics and gynecology that focuses on managing pregnancies considered high-risk or complicated. At Johns Hopkins Hospital, our Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine is dedicated to providing comprehensive care throughout your pregnancy journey. Our team of expert maternal-fetal medicine specialists, also known as perinatologists, are at the forefront of advancing clinical care through ongoing research and discovery to benefit both mothers and their babies.
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is an obstetrician-gynecologist who sub-specializes in high-risk obstetrics. After completing medical school, these specialists undergo four years of intensive obstetrics and gynecology residency training, followed by three additional years of specialized training in maternal and fetal care. This extensive education allows them to develop the specialized skills necessary to care for both the mother and baby before, during, and after a complicated pregnancy.
Our Specialized Services and Expertise
The Johns Hopkins Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine provides comprehensive care for pregnancies that are both low and high-risk. Our multidisciplinary team conducts unique programs for managing various complications in pregnancy, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention and treatment tailored to their specific needs.
Conditions We Manage
Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists care for a wide range of pregnancy-related conditions and complications, including:
– Multiple pregnancies and complex gestations- Placental abnormalities and insufficiency- Fetal anomalies and developmental concerns- Genetic disorders and inherited conditions- Maternal nutritional issues and metabolic disorders- Infectious diseases affecting pregnancy- Maternal chronic medical conditions requiring specialized prenatal care
Chronic Medical Conditions in Pregnancy
Women with pre-existing chronic medical conditions often require specialized prenatal care to ensure optimal outcomes for both mother and baby. Johns Hopkins maternal-fetal medicine specialists work collaboratively with other medical specialists to maintain maternal health throughout pregnancy. Common conditions managed include diabetes, chronic hypertension, kidney disease, heart disease, cardiac transplants, and cancer in pregnancy. By coordinating comprehensive care across multiple specialties, we help minimize complications and optimize maternal and fetal health.
Genetic Counseling and Prenatal Diagnosis
One of the critical services offered by our division is genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. Our specialists recognize that understanding your family’s genetic history is essential for informed decision-making about pregnancy planning and management.
Pre-Conception Counseling
For families with a history of genetic disorders, our team offers pre-conception counseling to assess the risk of passing on abnormal genes to future offspring. This consultation helps couples understand their individual risk factors and make informed decisions about family planning. During these sessions, our genetic specialists discuss inheritance patterns, screening options, and management strategies to optimize health outcomes before pregnancy begins.
Prenatal Genetic Testing
If you are already pregnant, our division can help determine whether your unborn child may have a genetic disorder through advanced prenatal diagnostic testing. Our newly renovated prenatal diagnosis center utilizes state-of-the-art technology and techniques to identify genetic abnormalities early in pregnancy. This information allows us to coordinate appropriate care and prepare for any special needs your baby may have after birth.
Fetal Imaging and Prenatal Diagnosis
The Johns Hopkins Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine operates a fully equipped prenatal ultrasound suite that provides comprehensive fetal imaging services. Our expert sonographers and maternal-fetal medicine specialists use advanced ultrasound technology to diagnose various fetal conditions before delivery.
Early Detection of Fetal Anomalies
We diagnose problems with your baby prior to delivery, such as spina bifida, neural tube defects, and abnormal fetal growth patterns. Early detection of these conditions allows our team to:
– Coordinate specialized prenatal care and fetal monitoring- Arrange for appropriate medical or surgical interventions when possible- Prepare delivery facilities and neonatal specialists for special needs at birth- Provide families with comprehensive information to facilitate informed decision-making- Connect families with support resources and counseling services
Fetal Monitoring and Management
For pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies or growth concerns, our division provides ongoing specialized monitoring and management. Our team works to develop individualized treatment plans that may include additional imaging studies, laboratory testing, maternal dietary modifications, or specialized fetal interventions.
Labor and Delivery Support
Johns Hopkins Hospital is equipped with a state-of-the-art labor and delivery unit specifically designed to handle medical and surgical complications that may arise during delivery. Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists are available around the clock to manage emergencies and ensure the best possible outcomes for mother and baby.
Comprehensive Delivery Management
If a problem arises during your actual delivery, our specialists help manage you during labor and delivery and provide follow-up care afterwards to assure optimal outcomes. Our team includes:
– Maternal-fetal medicine specialists with extensive experience in high-risk deliveries- Anesthesiologists trained in obstetric emergencies- Neonatal specialists ready to care for newborns with special needs- Nursing staff experienced in complex obstetric care- Support services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
24/7 Consultation Services
Johns Hopkins offers around-the-clock consultation services for any medical complications requiring specialist involvement during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Our collaborative approach ensures that patients receive coordinated care from all necessary specialists.
Prenatal Clinic and Diagnostic Facilities
Our newly renovated prenatal clinic, ultrasound suite, and prenatal diagnosis center are designed to provide comprehensive services in a comfortable, patient-centered environment. These modern facilities feature the latest diagnostic technology and comfortable spaces for patients and their families.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Our ultrasound suite is equipped with cutting-edge imaging technology, including high-resolution ultrasound machines capable of detailed fetal anatomical assessment. The prenatal diagnosis center offers comprehensive testing options including:
– Advanced ultrasound imaging- Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)- Amniocentesis- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)- Fetal echocardiography- Specialized imaging consultations
Research and Innovation
The Johns Hopkins Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine has a long and distinguished history of excellence in obstetric care spanning over 120 years. Dr. John Whitridge Williams became the first Professor of Obstetrics in 1899, establishing a legacy of innovation and excellence that continues to thrive today.
Our division remains world-renowned for strong clinical and basic science research that advances the field of maternal-fetal medicine. Our researchers investigate new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, participate in multicenter clinical trials, and contribute to the scientific literature that shapes best practices in prenatal care worldwide. This commitment to research ensures that our patients benefit from the most current, evidence-based medical practices.
Our Philosophy and Patient Care
At Johns Hopkins, our goal as caregivers is to provide a woman and her family with the critical support needed to deliver a healthy baby. We recognize that pregnancy complications can be stressful and emotionally challenging. Our compassionate, multidisciplinary team is committed to:
– Providing clear, comprehensive information about your condition and treatment options- Supporting informed decision-making through genetic counseling and education- Coordinating seamless care across multiple specialists and disciplines- Offering emotional and psychological support throughout your pregnancy journey- Ensuring excellent communication between all members of your care team- Preparing you and your family for delivery and beyond
Excellence in Medical Education
Johns Hopkins Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine is recognized for excellence in medical education. Our fellowship program trains the next generation of maternal-fetal medicine specialists who will lead advances in the field. This commitment to education extends beyond training fellows; we provide ongoing education to obstetrics and gynecology residents, medical students, and other healthcare professionals.
A Heritage of Excellence
With over 120 years of history in maternal and fetal medicine, Johns Hopkins has established itself as a leader in obstetric care. Our division has trained countless physicians who have gone on to advance the field across the United States and internationally. This heritage of excellence, combined with our commitment to innovation and patient care, positions Johns Hopkins as a premier destination for maternal-fetal medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?
A: A maternal-fetal medicine specialist, also called a perinatologist, is an obstetrician-gynecologist who has completed additional specialized training to care for high-risk pregnancies and manage complex maternal and fetal conditions.
Q: How much additional training do maternal-fetal medicine specialists have?
A: After completing a four-year OB/GYN residency, maternal-fetal medicine specialists complete an additional three years of specialized training in maternal and fetal care, developing advanced skills in managing complicated pregnancies.
Q: What conditions require maternal-fetal medicine care?
A: Conditions requiring maternal-fetal medicine care include chronic maternal medical conditions, multiple pregnancies, placental abnormalities, fetal anomalies, genetic disorders, infections during pregnancy, and any complications that develop during pregnancy or delivery.
Q: Can I see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before becoming pregnant?
A: Yes. If you have a chronic medical condition or family history of genetic disorders, pre-conception counseling with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist can help optimize your health and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Q: What prenatal diagnostic services are available?
A: Johns Hopkins offers comprehensive prenatal diagnostic services including advanced ultrasound imaging, non-invasive prenatal testing, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, fetal echocardiography, and genetic counseling.
Q: Is maternal-fetal medicine care available 24/7?
A: Yes. Johns Hopkins offers 24-hour, seven-day-a-week consultation services and has a state-of-the-art labor and delivery unit equipped to handle any medical or surgical complications during delivery.
Q: How does Johns Hopkins coordinate care for complex pregnancies?
A: Our multidisciplinary team of specialists, including maternal-fetal medicine specialists, works collaboratively to coordinate comprehensive care, ensuring that patients receive seamless treatment from all necessary specialists.
References
- Johns Hopkins Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine Overview — Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2017-07-10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwpl0RT4_QQ
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine — Johns Hopkins Secure eCommerce. https://secure.jhu.edu/form/MFM
- Maternal, Fetal and Perinatal Health — Johns Hopkins Public Health, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/departments/population-family-and-reproductive-health/research-and-practice/maternal-fetal-and-perinatal-health
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