Maternal-Fetal Medicine

We offer a variety of treatments and services in the fields of prenatal care, genetic counseling, fetal diagnosis and management of high-risk pregnancies. We also coordinate a plan of care with our neonatologists before delivery to ensure seamless, integrated services for both you and your child.

We also provide preconception services for women with medical or family histories that put them at risk for pregnancy complications or for couples concerned about genetic conditions and disorders.

Women are considered at an increased risk for pregnancy complications because they:

• are older than 35
• have medical or surgical disorders such as heart disease, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, pulmonary disease, diabetes or other endocrine disorders, lupus, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal disease
• have an increased risk of preterm labor
• are carrying twins, triplets or other multiples
• require advanced prenatal diagnostic procedures
• have concerns related to a possible birth defect
• have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss
• have a maternal genetic disorder
• are at an increased risk for adverse outcomes such as premature rupture of membranes and suspected fetal growth restriction

Women with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes have a slightly higher risk for having a baby with a birth defect. Through our diabetes and pregnancy program, we carefully monitor women with diabetes to ensure they have a healthy pregnancy.

• Fillable Medical Records Request From Akron Children's
• Blood Sugar Log
• Family Health History MFM

If you’re struggling with worry, sadness or other negative feelings during or after pregnancy, we have on-site psychologists to help you cope with difficult thoughts and feelings.

Our team of psychologists specialize in treating moms with:

• High-risk pregnancies
• Patients with serious medical or physical problems
• Teenage pregnancy and motherhood
• Postpartum depression and/or anxiety

Are you:

• Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions?
• Feeling worried, anxious or overwhelmed?
• Feeling sad, hopeless or crying a lot?
• Experiencing mood swings, irritability or anger?
• Feeling fatigued, having trouble sleeping or experiencing changes in appetite?
• Feeling out of control?
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself or your child(ren)?
• Having difficulty bonding with your baby?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, contact your medical provider or talk with NICU staff, to discuss a referral to one of our on-site psychologists, or call 330-543-4500.

Additional resources:

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for pregnant and new moms in English and Spanish.
• 24/7 Free, Confidential Hotline 1-833-943-5746 or visit https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline

If you are in suicidal crisis, please call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Referrals are initiated by a provider-to-provider discussion. Please ask your provider to call: 330-543-4500

• Fetal Treatment Center: What happens during your visit?
• After Delivery Care Guide
• 5 Ways to Lower Birth Defect Risk Before and During Pregnancy
• Prematurity Awareness Infographic
• Stress During Pregnancy