Introduction:
Fetal medicine (FM), commonly called perinatology, focuses on treating maternal and fetal health issues before, during, and soon after pregnancy. Fetal medicine focuses on high-risk pregnancies. Obstetricians or gynecologists who deal with high-risk pregnancies are known as perinatologists. Perinatologists are sometimes known as high-risk obstetricians or specialists in fetal medicine (FM).
Fetal medicine concentrates on pregnancies where the mother or the fetus experiences a health issue. Before or soon after getting pregnant, they may consult a perinatologist if they have a persistent medical problem. Sometimes, a person becomes pregnant with a condition requiring additional perinatologist monitoring or testing. A perinatologist may also be engaged in prenatal care if the fetus has a congenital condition or birth abnormalities.
When Did Fetal Medicine Start?
The 1960s saw the emergence of maternal-fetal medicine as a distinct field of study. Before, obstetricians only could depend on heart rate monitors and maternal reports of baby activity. Nevertheless, advances in science and technology have allowed doctors to diagnose and treat fetal problems in utero. Early intervention and decreasing death rates were made possible by the invention of amniocentesis in 1952, fetal blood samples during delivery in the early 1960s, more accurate fetal cardiac monitoring in 1968, and real-time ultrasound in 1971.
As a result, groups were formed to concentrate on these developing medical specialties, and the Global Association of Perinatal Medicine was established at the 1991 First International Congress of Perinatal Medicine. Currently, major hospitals around the world have maternal-fetal medicine specialists on staff. They might work at larger, publicly financed facilities or privately owned clinics.
One of the areas of medicine that is quickly developing, particularly in relation to the fetus, is fetal medicine. To find a cure for genetic problems early and prevent preeclampsia, research is being carried out in the areas of fetal stem cell and gene therapy, open fetal surgery, and fetal repair of birth abnormalities such as congenital heart disease.
What Does a Perinatologist Do in Fetal Medicine?
A perinatologist specializes in providing prenatal and postnatal care to persons more likely than average to experience pregnancy, labor, or delivery problems because of a medical condition. They support the treatment of both pre-existing and pregnancy-related illnesses. They are skilled at diagnosing and treating fetal health issues and caring for pregnant patients. Perinatologists can provide more sophisticated congenital disease testing and information on the effects of various pregnancy problems on the fetus.
Perinatologists are in charge of,
-
Preconception health screening for conditions that could cause pregnancy difficulties.
-
Routine testing and prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies.
-
Managing a pregnant person's new or current medical issues.
-
Use ultrasounds or other tests to identify birth defects or genetic problems.
-
Assisting with delivery and labor as necessary.
-
Handling postnatal problems.
What Kind of Pregnancy Is Termed as High-Risk?
One might require additional care or attention if the pregnancy is high-risk to guarantee a healthy pregnancy and birth.
Several of the most typical reasons for a high-risk pregnancy include:
-
Mother's advanced age (women older than 40).
-
Many pregnancies (pregnant with twins, triplets, or more).
-
Miscarriages or stillbirths in the past.
-
Genetic condition history within the family.
-
Preeclampsia, preterm labor, or gestational diabetes have all been present in the past during pregnancies.
-
If one suffers from a significant medical condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an autoimmune issue.
-
Premature labor or membranes rupturing too soon.
-
Restriction on fetal growth.
-
Hereditary or congenital illnesses.
-
Abnormalities of the womb, such as placenta previa or placental abruption.
-
Heavy bleeding associated with infection.
What Distinguishes an Obstetrician From a Perinatologist?
An obstetrician who focuses on high-risk pregnancies is known as a perinatologist. Obstetrics and gynecology have a subspecialty called perinatology. Perinatologists finish their undergraduate studies before enrolling in medical school. Perinatologists complete a second two- or three-year fellowship in perinatology after finishing a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology.
Fellowships in perinatal medicine mainly concentrate on diagnosing and treating disorders that impact pregnant women and their unborn children. Also, they can identify and treat fetal illnesses, including genetic abnormalities.
A perinatologist is not automatically the primary obstetrician just because individuals see them. It typically indicates that an obstetrician and a perinatologist will be involved in the prenatal care. How frequently the obstetrician will decide one visits a perinatologist. A perinatologist may occasionally play a significant role in pregnancy and delivery. Often a pregnant woman will visit a perinatologist a few times throughout the pregnancy.
What Can One Anticipate From an Initial Appointment With a Perinatologist?
It depends on the health and the reason a perinatologist was recommended. The first meeting will typically gather information about the medical history or discuss the illness in detail and how it affects the pregnancy.
The perinatologist may offer advice regarding any genetic or congenital issues the fetus may have and the type of postpartum care it may require. To diagnose a problem, a perinatologist may occasionally use genetic testing, ultrasounds, fetal monitoring, and other procedures.
Throughout the pregnancy and delivery, the perinatologist will collaborate with the obstetrician and any other medical professionals who are a part of the care team. They might also collaborate with a pediatrician or neonatologist.
What Kinds of Tests Are Performed in Fetal Medicine?
To identify genetic disorders and diseases during pregnancy, perinatal physicians run a number of different laboratory tests.
Among them are:
-
Ultrasound.
-
A blood test.
-
Prenatal examination.
-
Amniocentesis.
-
Sample chorionic villus (CVS).
Can Perinatal Doctors Deliver Children?
Sometimes. The condition and any probable problems will determine this. Most of the time, the baby will be delivered by an obstetrician.
Do Perinatal Doctors Perform Surgeries?
An obstetrician or gynecologist will still handle the majority of the care. The pregnancy, labor, and delivery requirements related to medical conditions will be discussed with a perinatologist. It might entail having a perinatologist present in some circumstances. Perinatologists frequently carry out complex C-sections, cervical cerclage, and emergency hysterectomy procedures.
Conclusion
Fetal medicine deals with complex or high-risk pregnancies. It can be unsettling to be referred to a perinatologist. It does not imply a problem with the pregnancy; rather, it indicates that the medical team is providing one with the attention they require to keep both mother and the fetus healthy. Do not be afraid to ask the perinatologist questions regarding the illness or treatment, and talk to obstetricians about any worries one may have.
