Women with obstetrical complications, or medical conditions that put them at risk of obstetrical complications, often have to travel great distances to see a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist. For many of these patients, a true face-to-face appointment isn't necessary.

Referring physicians and patients can decide to use UPMC's MFM teleservices, rather than a personal consultation in Pittsburgh.

UPMC MFM specialists can:

collaborate with obstetricians and primary care physicians of at-risk, high-risk, or complicated obstetrical patients, before and during pregnancy
provide consultations
offer patient management recommendations
triage patients to telemedicine consultation, if appropriate, based on their condition

How Maternal-Fetal Telemedicine Works

Via telemedicine, the MFM specialist at UPMC:

receives and reviews the patient's records from the referring provider's office
outlines recommendations for ongoing management of the patient’s care
sends the recommendations to the referring physician, who continues to manage the patient’s care in the local community
performs follow-up consultations, if necessary

Benefits of Maternal-Fetal Telemedicine

Telemedicine gives women outside of Pittsburgh easier and earlier access to UPMC MFM specialists.

These early interventions can help:

prevent progression of obstetrical complications during pregnancy
increase the likelihood of delivering at the local hospital with the primary ob-gyn

Candidates for Maternal-Fetal Telemedicine

Ideal candidates for telemedicine consultations with UPMC MFM specialists include women:

with known medical problems in pregnancy, such as:
- seizure disorders
- clotting disorders
- thyroid disease
- chronic hypertension
- gestational diabetes who require medication for adequate control of blood glucose levels
seeking preconception counseling due to poor obstetrical history or pregnancy-related medical problems
seeking consultation regarding recurrent pregnancy loss