Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists of Indiana, part of Pediatrix Medical Group

About Our Practice

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists of Indiana specializes in the care and treatment of pregnant women who are considered high risk. A high-risk pregnancy can result from conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, multiple gestation, family history of genetic diseases, recurrent miscarriage, suspected fetal birth defects, and other such complications.

We deliver patient-centered care and provide full prenatal care for select high-risk patients. Our diverse group of Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists, also called perinatologists, are board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine. Our care team includes high-risk sonographers, specially trained nurses, and genetic counselors. We are supported by adult and pediatric subspecialties including pulmonology, cardiology, metabolic, genetics, neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology, and more. We create a personalized plan of care for you and your baby, working with your doctor, which offers best-in-care practices to both mother and baby.

We proudly serve patients in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Telemedicine appointments available for diabetic management and genetic counseling.

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COVID Resources for Patients
During the COVID-19 crisis, our patients and their families remain our priority. To ensure access to care while minimizing potential COVID-19 exposure, we’re working closely with internal experts, hospital partners and health care authorities at the national, state and county levels to implement and adapt care protocols in real-time. Despite this global pandemic, we are focused on the future; we’re working collaboratively across the continuum of care to understand better—and reduce—the impact of COVID-19 on the patients we serve.

Our practice has compiled a body of helpful resources and guidelines from trusted sources for our patients during the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. We hope that providing the quick references below will assist you in navigating the rapidly changing environment surrounding the COVID-19 crisis and how it relates to pregnancy. Our mission is to provide superior quality healthcare services, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care.

COVID-19 and pregnancy patient resources:
- ACOG: COVID-19 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding FAQs
- CDC Guidelines: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Caring for Newborns
- SMFM and Baby Center: COVID-19 and Pregnancy FAQs – Medical Experts Answer your Questions
Genetic Counseling

We offer the services of specially trained and highly experienced genetic counselors who can help our patients understand the complex issues surrounding pregnancy and family illness.Sometimes it is possible to avoid problems rather than manage them. Couples with medical problems, family or personal histories of birth defects or genetic disease, or problems with prior pregnancies often benefit from consulting with our genetic counselors and physicians prior to a pregnancy.

These services can be arranged through our South Bend offices for both in-person and via telehealth as we strive to optimize outcomes for each and every patient.
What is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?
Our board-certified maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists provide prenatal care for expectant mothers with complicated or high-risk pregnancies, as well as their developing babies. In addition to a four-year obstetrics and gynecology residency, they have undergone three additional years of education and training, and their core focus is to:
- Oversee existing health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Manage pregnancy-related maternal medical issues, such as preeclampsia.
- Conduct diagnostic tests and procedures to identify possible congenital abnormalities and genetic disorders.
- Monitor babies’ development and growth.
- Manage post-pregnancy health issues.
- Identify potential concerns and propose solutions for future pregnancies.

Services Offered

Management of Advanced Maternal Age

Women who become pregnant after age 35 are more likely to have pre-existing health problems that can complicate pregnancy and are at greater risk for complications like high blood pressure, abnormal fetal growth and diabetes in pregnancy. There is also an increased risk for certain fetal genetic abnormalities, specifically trisomies (where the fetus has an extra chromosome).
Diabetes Management in Pregnancy

Women diagnosed with diabetes before or during pregnancy have difficulties producing the appropriate amount of insulin to process glucose, or sugar, in their bodies. Improper management of diabetes during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and baby. A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist is specially trained to treat women with diabetes during pregnancy. Through frequent prenatal visits, an MFM specialist can monitor and provide recommendations to help manage blood glucose levels through a combination of healthy eating, exercise and medications.
Genetic Counseling

Support provided by a genetic professional or qualified physician to the patient and the doctor by identifying genetic risk, discussing family history, explaining available testing options and implications of test results, as well as providing patient education. Genetic counselors or qualified physicians, act as patient advocates translating medical and scientific knowledge into practical information. In addition, resources are available to provide support to anyone who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions or birth defects, such as cystic fibrosis or disorders common to a particular race or ethnic group. This information is provided in a non-directive, unbiased manner and allows the patient to make their own decisions regarding testing options.
Inpatient Consultation and Care
Management of Multiple Gestations (twins or more)

Pregnant women carrying multiples (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc.) are at an increased risk of experiencing complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight and preeclampsia. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist specializes in the care of women experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, such as multiples, and has the additional training and experience required to treat any complications experienced during a pregnancy.
Amniocentesis
Antenatal (Prenatal) Testing (Screening)

Antenatal or prenatal diagnostic screening, refers to a variety of testing options available to determine if a fetus has certain abnormalities. Many of the tests are conducted by an obstetrician (OB) as routine prenatal screening, including ultrasound, nuchal translucency screening and testing of a pregnant woman's blood to help estimate the risk of certain abnormalities. When a test indicates a higher risk, additional tests are available to further analyze the fetus. These additional tests, such as amniocentesis and chronic villus sampling, are often more invasive and have additional risks to the fetus and should be conducted by a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist.
Fetal Echocardiogram
Non Invasive Prenatal Screening

Pregnant women have access to a variety of tests to determine a baby's risk of Down syndrome, Trisomy 18 and open neural tube defects. Some newer testing methods involve only a blood test and an ultrasound, which can be done safely early in the pregnancy. These screenings are minimally invasive and do not pose any identifiable risk to the fetus. However, while they predict the likelihood that a particular condition is present, they do not provide definitive answers. For example, a "positive result" would not necessarily mean that a baby has a health problem, but it shows that the baby is at increased risk. Similarly, a "negative" result would not guarantee that no health problem is present. Other testing methods can provide a more definitive answer for the specific condition being investigated. However, these tests may pose a greater risk to the mother and fetus because often they are more invasive.

Conditions Treated

Heart Disease
Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure, can be present before pregnancy (chronic hypertension) or develop during pregnancy (gestational hypertension). Pregnant women with hypertension are at risk of developing preeclampsia, experiencing both high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby.
Kidney Disease
Morbidly Obese Patients
Prematurity