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Demystifying high-risk pregnancy: How do maternal-fetal medicine experts save the lives of mothers and babies?
Maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) is a branch of medicine that focuses on maternal and fetal health issues during pregnancy. Physicians who specialize in this field typically complete four years of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology followed by three years of fellowship training. They not only perform prenatal care and treatment, but also perform necessary surgeries and provide consultation for low-risk pregnancies. They can also serve as the primary obstetrician in high-risk pregnancies to ensure the safety of mother and baby.
The emergence of maternal-fetal medicine has promoted early diagnosis and treatment of fetal complications and significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality.
History of maternal-fetal medicine
Since the 1960s, maternal-fetal medicine has gradually taken shape. As research and technology advance, doctors are able to diagnose and treat fetal complications in the womb. In the early days, obstetricians could only rely on fetal heart rate monitoring and maternal reports of fetal movements. The invention of amniocentesis in 1952 and subsequent technological advances made early intervention possible, further reducing mortality.
The scope of maternal-fetal medicine
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists diagnose and treat pregnant women with different health risks, such as chronic diseases (such as heart disease, kidney disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension, etc.), pregnancy-related complications (such as premature birth, pregnancy-induced hypertension, twins or triplets) pregnancy) etc. They provide professional advice and support to pregnant women during pregnancy, as well as long-term follow-up for possible complications after birth.
Mortality rates during pregnancy and childbirth due to infection, maternal haemorrhage and obstructive labor have been significantly reduced, as have maternal and infant mortality rates around the world.
Training of maternal-fetal medicine experts
Becoming a maternal-fetal medicine specialist requires completing an additional three years of specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology. Specialized training covers the assessment and management of high-risk pregnancies and prepares them to the best standards to meet the various challenges in this rapidly evolving field. Not only are these experts equipped to perform amniocentesis and fetal ultrasound, they also have in-depth knowledge of intrauterine therapies.
Maternal-fetal medicine experts attach great importance to continuous education and use the latest technology and knowledge to improve safety and treatment effects.
Future challenges and opportunities
As technology continues to advance, the future of maternal-fetal medicine is promising. For example, research into fetal gene and stem cell therapies holds the promise of providing early treatment options for genetic diseases, while open fetal surgery can correct birth defects.
In the current medical environment, how can maternal-fetal medicine experts use their expertise to further improve maternal and infant health?
