Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Compassionate and Patient Centered Maternal-Fetal Care in Ventura County

Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM), also known as Perinatology, is a subspecialty of Obstetrics & Gynecology. MFM doctors are the high-risk pregnancy experts who care for women with medical conditions in pregnancy, helping to keep these women as healthy as possible. MFM doctors also care for women who face unexpected problems unique to pregnancy, such as preterm labor, bleeding, or high blood pressure. Finally Maternal-Fetal Medicine doctors provide routine prenatal screening with ultrasound as well as counseling and testing for genetic disorders complicating pregnancy.

At Dignity Health, providing perinatology care is a team effort. It involves your doctor and MFM specialists who work together to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. 

Comprehensive Perinatal Services 

  • High-risk pregnancy consultation services
  • Invasive and non-invasive diagnostic testing
  • OB ultrasound (basic and comprehensive)
  • Pre-conception counseling
  • Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (highest level in the state) 
  • 24-hour, in-hospital coverage
  • Diabetic education and support
  • Collaboration with other health care providers

Perinatal Conditions We Treat

Our Maternal-Fetal medicine specialists treat a wide variety of conditions. Some conditions that may put you at risk for a high-risk pregnancy include:

  • Amniotic band syndrome
  • Anemia
  • Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation
  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
  • Congenital heart conditions
  • Diabetes (Gestational diabetes)
  • Gastroschisis/Omphalocele
  • Genetic disorders
  • High Blood Pressure (Preeclampsia)
  • Maternal health conditions
  • Multiple births
  • Neural tube defects/hydrocephalus
  • Placenta previa
  • Pleural effusions
  • Premature ruptured membranes
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Urinary tract obstruction

Why You May Need Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Not all women need maternal-fetal medicine, though MFM doctors do provide routine prenatal screening and ultrasound. 

You may benefit from maternal-fetal medicine if you:

  • Have a pre-existing health issue, such as a heart condition, before getting pregnant
  • Develop a pregnancy-related complication, such as gestational diabetes
  • Are pregnant with more than one baby
  • Are pregnant with a baby who has a prenatal condition
  • Have a history of miscarriage or preterm birth

Working with Your MFM Doctor 

Every pregnant woman should see a doctor throughout her pregnancy. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may have to visit your doctor more regularly. 

During a maternal-fetal medicine visit, your MFM doctor will:

  • Perform prenatal testing
  • Help you manage any pre-existing health conditions
  • Adjust or prescribe new medications

The type of care you receive will depend on your and your baby’s specific needs. Trust the experienced maternity specialists at Dignity Health for personalized care during and after your pregnancy.

Learn More

For more information, please call (805) 981-6163

Dignity Health Perinatal Center - Ventura
2901 N Ventura Rd., Ste. 110
Oxnard, CA 93036

Details & Directions: Dignity Health Perinatal Center - Ventura

Meet the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Team

Megan Jones, MD
Kathryn Sharma, MD
Peter Robilio, MD