Understanding the Differences: High-Risk Obstetrics vs. Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Pregnancy is a period that requires specialized care and attention for both women and their children. However, it is also a time associated with numerous challenges. Taking necessary steps to ensure the proper health of the mother and baby is crucial, and that’s where the roles of high-risk obstetricians and Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists come into play. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are notable differences between them. Let’s discuss the main distinctions and similarities between High-Risk Obstetrics (HRO) and Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM).

Both High-Risk Obstetrics (HRO) and Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialties focus on managing complications in pregnant women or fetuses. Factors such as previous miscarriages, multiple gestations (twins, triplets, etc.), maternal age, and chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders can increase the risk of a high-risk pregnancy. MFM specialists often collaborate with high-risk OB specialists to provide comprehensive care to pregnant women with complex medical conditions or pregnancy complications.

High-risk OB is a subspecialty within obstetrics that specifically deals with high-risk pregnancies. Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM), on the other hand, is a distinct subspecialty within obstetrics and gynecology that focuses on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of high-risk pregnancies.
High-risk OB specialists are obstetricians who have received additional training and experience in managing complex pregnancies. MFM specialists, also known as perinatologists, undergo further fellowship training after completing their OB/GYN residency. A MFM specialist (perinatologist) receives an additional three years of training to learn how to treat medical complications related to pregnancy. This training ensures advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as fetal development and physiology, prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling, ultrasound imaging, and management of complex maternal and fetal conditions.

In summary, while High-Risk Obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine share some similarities, they are not the same. High-risk obstetrics focuses on the care of pregnant women at increased risk of complications, while Maternal-Fetal Medicine specializes in the diagnosis and management of complex medical issues that can affect the health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy