Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM)
World-class high-risk pregnancy care for women and babies in New Jersey
Every woman hopes for a healthy pregnancy and baby, but sometimes it’s not so straightforward. The maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialists at Hackensack Meridian Health are here to help women with high-risk pregnancies and babies with medical conditions.
Whether you’re looking for an MFM specialist on your own or your provider recommended that you see one, you’re in the right place.
Before pregnancy, a maternal fetal specialist can help you plan a healthy pregnancy, especially if you’re over the age of 35.
During pregnancy, MFM specialists use advanced testing to screen for genetic abnormalities, birth defects, growth restrictions and more. For high-risk pregnancy care, these experts can perform procedures to correct issues before birth or make plans for treatment after birth.
After pregnancy, maternal fetal medicine specialists work with your obstetrician, nurse-midwife or family doctor to create a care plan for you and your baby and coordinate with other specialists, as needed.
Should You See a Maternal Fetal Specialist?
If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you may benefit from care provided by a doctor who specializes in high-risk obstetrics and perinatal care. You may be referred to an MFM specialist if you’re pregnant over the age of 35, have experienced multiple miscarriages, a stillbirth, or have had a history of preterm labor and delivery. They also offer critical support and care for high-risk pregnancies affected by long-term medical issues such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure. This kind of support for expecting mothers with health conditions can make a meaningful difference in the pregnancy journey.
MFM specialists are highly trained to manage a wide range of complications, including:
- Amniotic fluid imbalances, such as polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios
- Cervical insufficiency (also called incompetent cervix) and other risks for preterm labor
- Fetal anomalies, birth defects detection and genetic disorders in pregnancy
- Fetal growth restriction (also known as intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR)
- Gestational diabetes management and preeclampsia treatment for safer outcomes and healthier pregnancies
- Infections in pregnancy, including CMV and toxoplasmosis
- Placenta previa, placenta accreta and placental abruption, which can lead to bleeding or complications during delivery
- Rh incompatibility between mother and baby
- Twin pregnancy monitoring, triplets or higher-order multiples
If your routine ultrasound or a prenatal test shows a possible concern — such as a congenital or pediatric vascular anomaly — your MFM team will step in with a comprehensive care plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking a specialist for pregnancy complications or simply looking for peace of mind, our maternal fetal specialists offer trusted, compassionate high-risk pregnancy care.
At Hackensack Meridian Health, our perinatology experts work alongside obstetricians, pediatric specialists and NICU teams to deliver seamless, coordinated care for the most complex pregnancies.
Make an Appointment
Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-2453
551-996-2765
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
1945 NJ-33, Neptune City, NJ 07753
732-776-4755
JFK University Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08820
732-321-7901
MFM Programs and Clinics
The Center for Abnormal Placentation at Hackensack University Medical Center’s Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Surgery specializes in the diagnosis and medical/surgical management of conditions that affect the placenta, including:
- Placenta accreta
- Placental abruption
- Placenta previa
The center performs the most surgeries in the nation for high-risk placenta accreta and other placental problems. Patients benefit from groundbreaking research conducted by an Obstetric Research Division and can access leading-edge treatments for placental abnormalities.
The Center for Abnormal Placentation is the first program in the world created specifically for women with abnormal placental development. The MFM specialists have treated more than 300 cases and achieved exceptional neonatal and maternal outcomes, including:
- A 100 percent maternal survival rate
- The lowest rate of blood transfusion in the country in a MFM program
- The lowest national rates of maternal admissions to the intensive care unit
Perinatal Diagnostic Unit
The Perinatal Diagnostic Unit at Hackensack University Medical Center offers advanced obstetric imaging and screening procedures, including:
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- Amniocentesis
- Biochemical and ultrasound screening tests
- Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS)
- Biophysical profile
- Doppler velocimetry
- Fetal echocardiography
The unit aims to ensure a thorough and precise assessment of fetal health during pregnancy, offering a range of diagnostic tools and expertise to support expectant parents.
For families who know beforehand that their baby may need a stay in the NICU, the Healthy Beginnings Program at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center provides prenatal consultations and care coordination to help parents prepare for their child’s arrival.
Similarly, the Fetal Care Program at Hackensack University Medical Center offers comprehensive care for fetuses with congenital conditions or other problems that can complicate birth, including:
- Congenital heart defects
- Neural tube defects
- Chromosomal abnormalities
- Structural malformations in organs or limbs
Committed to high-quality, non-judgmental, and compassionate care, our team integrates Complex Family Planning into OBGYN services. Collaborating with subspecialists as needed, our board-certified MFM specialists provide expert care for:
- Complex contraceptive needs
- Unbiased pregnancy options counseling
- Support through spontaneous and induced abortion processes
- Uterine evacuation
- Birth control counseling
- STI testing
- Contraceptive removals
- Surgical sterilization
Why Choose Us for Maternal Fetal Medicine?
Choosing Hackensack Meridian Health means choosing nationally recognized experts in maternal fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancy care. Our team delivers compassionate, coordinated perinatal care tailored to your unique needs – whether you’re facing a pregnancy over age 35, managing a chronic condition, expecting multiples, or something else.
Expertise You Can Trust
Your care team includes board-certified maternal-fetal specialists, perinatologists, neonatologists, obstetric nurses, obstetric anesthesiologists and pediatricians. Together, we offer advanced support for women with autoimmune disorders in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions – providing seamless, expert care every step of the way.
Proven High-Quality Care
Hackensack University Medical Center is the first hospital in the nation to receive The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC). This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering safe, effective care for complex pregnancies, including placenta previa monitoring, preeclampsia treatment and twin pregnancy monitoring.
Excellent Outcomes
Our outcomes speak for themselves: a zero percent mortality rate among high-risk mothers, the lowest blood transfusion rate in the country, and minimal risk of bleeding during childbirth. Whether you're navigating fetal anomalies, infections in pregnancy, Rh incompatibility or something else, our expert team provides the support and specialized care you deserve.
