Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)

Understanding the Risks and Legal Implications with Baltimore Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Lawyer Mark Kopec

Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists are obstetricians who focus on high-risk pregnancies. Consequently, they face certain obstetrical conditions and fetal development, providing care to women facing potential complications. This page aims to provide an overview of MFM, including their roles, responsibilities, and the legal implications associated with their practice. If your child has been injured, you may have a birth injury medical malpractice claim and need Baltimore MFM lawyer Mark Kopec.

Education and Training

• Medical School: MFM doctors first complete a four-year medical degree (M.D. or D.O.).
• Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency: Following medical school, they undergo a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology.
• MFM Fellowship: To specialize in MFM, they then complete an additional two to three years of subspecialty training in a dedicated MFM fellowship program.

Licensing and Board Certification

• Medical License: All physicians must obtain a medical license from the state where they practice. This typically involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
• Board Certification: MFM doctors are eligible for board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). This requires passing an examination and maintaining continuing medical education credits.

When Should an MFM Specialist Get Involved?

OB/GYNs consult MFM doctors for a wide range of high-risk pregnancy conditions, including:

• Multiple Gestations: Twins, triplets, and higher-order pregnancies carry increased risks for complications like premature birth, growth restrictions, and delivery complications.
• Maternal Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and heart disease can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes.
• Fetal Abnormalities: MFM doctors diagnose and manage conditions like genetic disorders, birth defects, and fetal growth restrictions.
• Previous Pregnancy Complications: Women with a history of preterm labor, preeclampsia, or other complications are often referred for MFM care.
• Advanced Maternal Age: Pregnancies in women aged 35 and older have an increased risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities.

Baltimore Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Lawyer Mark Kopec can evaluate whether a MFM special was timely brought into your child’s care.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

MFM doctors utilize a variety of diagnostic tools to assess both maternal and fetal health:

• Ultrasound: High-resolution ultrasound provides detailed images of the fetus, allowing for assessment of growth, development, and potential abnormalities.
• Amniocentesis: This procedure involves collecting a small sample of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal cells, to test for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This procedure involves obtaining a sample of placental tissue for early genetic testing.
• Non-Stress Tests (NSTs): These tests monitor the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement to assess fetal well-being.
• Biophysical Profiles (BPPs): BPPs combine NSTs with ultrasound assessments of fetal breathing movements, fetal tone, and amniotic fluid volume to evaluate fetal health.
• Doppler Ultrasound: This technique assesses blood flow in the placenta and umbilical cord to identify potential problems with fetal growth and oxygenation.

Baltimore Matenral-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Lawyer Mark Kopec can evaluate the tests your child received to assess a potential birth injury claim.

Treatment Options

MFM doctors employ a range of treatment strategies, including:

• Medications: MFM doctors may use medications to manage conditions like gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preterm labor.
• Bed Rest: In some cases, bed rest may be recommended to reduce the risk of preterm labor or other complications.
• Fetal Surgery: In certain situations, fetal surgery may be performed to correct abnormalities or improve fetal outcomes.
• Delivery Timing: MFM specialists carefully assess the optimal timing for delivery, considering factors like fetal maturity and the presence of maternal or fetal complications.
• Intrapartum Care: MFM specialists may manage high-risk deliveries, providing expert care to both mother and baby during labor and delivery.

Baltimore Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Lawyer Mark Kopec will review the treatment your child received and advise you on birth injury lawsuit options.

Where MFM Specialists Work

MFM doctors typically work in:

• Academic Medical Centers: These centers often have specialized units and resources for high-risk pregnancies.
• Large Hospitals: Many large hospitals have MFM departments or collaborate with nearby academic centers.
• Private Practices: Some MFM specialists maintain private practices, often in conjunction with hospital affiliations.

Collaboration with Other Medical Professionals

MFM doctors collaborate closely with a variety of other doctors and medical professionals, including:

• Neonatologists: Physicians specializing in the care of newborns.
• Pediatricians: Physicians who provide primary care for children.
• Genetic Counselors: Professionals who provide information and support regarding genetic conditions.
• Perinatologists: Nurses specializing in the care of high-risk pregnancies.

Medical Malpractice Claims with Baltimore Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) Lawyer MFM Lawyer Mark Kopec

Medical malpractice claims against MFM doctors can arise from a variety of circumstances, including:

• Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose or Treat: Failure to diagnose or properly treat conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or fetal growth restriction can have serious consequences for both mother and baby.
• Surgical Error and Improper Performance of Procedures: Errors during procedures such as amniocentesis or CVS can lead to fetal injury or miscarriage.
• Incorrect Interpretation of Test Results: Misinterpretation of ultrasound images or other diagnostic tests can lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
• Delay in Treatment: Delays in diagnosis or treatment of critical conditions can have devastating consequences for both mother and baby.
• Improper Delivery Management: Errors in managing labor and delivery, such as improper use of medications or failure to recognize and address fetal distress, can result in serious complications.

Next Step: Call Baltimore Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Lawyer Mark Kopec

This page provides a general overview of maternal-fetal medicine and the potential legal implications associated with this specialty. It is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss any specific legal concerns or potential claims related to MFM care.

If your child has a birth injury, then visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore birth injury lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues birth injury cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.