Expecting a baby is a joyous and exciting prospect. However, along with the joy comes many questions. We have done our best to answer our most predominantly asked questions, you will find them below.

¿Necesita ayuda? Lea las Preguntas Frecuentes.

If you have any further concerns that are not addressed on this page, please feel free to contact us.

Why consult a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, if I am already seeing an obstetrician?

Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians (also called perinatologists) are obstetricians specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of expectant mothers and their unborn babies, who may be at high risk.

If your obstetrician or infertility specialist see potential for a pregnancy-related health concern, or a problem develops during the course of your pregnancy, they may refer you to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist.

What does it mean If I am referred to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist?

A referral to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist does not always mean your pregnancy will be a difficult one, nor that your baby will have health problems. Most often, it is simply a precautionary measure designed to protect both you and your baby, while putting your minds at ease as expectant parents.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians provide a wide range of services, including maternal and fetal medical care, monitoring, ultrasound examinations, genetic counseling, diabetes education, state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, tests of fetal well-being, and more.

Will my Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist be involved in my delivery as well?

As your due date approaches, your Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician remains in close contact with the obstetrician who will deliver your baby and, if needed, the neonatologist who will oversee the baby’s care after birth. Smooth teamwork and good communication between the Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, obstetrician, and neonatologist ensure both you and your baby receive the best possible care, leading to success in most cases, despite possible risk of complications.

What exactly is an ultrasound?

To perform a conventional 2D ultrasound, a small transducer is used to send harmless sound waves into the body, which reflect off internal structures (including the baby). The sound waves, or “echoes”, that reflect back are then translated into a picture.

Why should I have an ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are common in many pregnancies. Diagnostic ultrasounds are done for numerous reasons, including determining the age, sex, and size of your baby, the position of the baby and placenta, or if there is more than one baby. The ultrasound can also be used to detect certain birth defects or evaluate the baby’s heart rate, movement, and general well-being.

What is the difference between 3D and 4D ultrasounds?

The difference between 3D and 4D ultrasound is commonly explained as the difference between a still photograph and a video. 3D ultrasound uses the same concept as conventional 2D ultrasound, but rather than take the image from a single angle, the sonographer takes a volume image. The still image displayed on the screen is a software rendering of all the detected soft-tissue. 4D ultrasound adds the element of time. The sonographer takes numerous images in rapid succession. The result is a motion video of your baby.

When should I have a 3D/4D ultrasound?

Viewing is best between 24-34 weeks gestation because the baby has more facial tissue and skin, resulting in a less skeletal image. As a courtesy to our patients, when conditions are optimal for a 3D/4D ultrasound, our sonographers will attempt to perform this for all patients. Unfortunately, there are times, however, when we can not obtain a good 3D/4D image due to fetal or placental positioning.