Across the nation, maternal morbidity and mortality, and pre-term birth rates are on the rise. The 2023 March of Dimes report indicates that, compared to the national average, Virginia has a lower preterm birth rate of 9.7%, but a higher infant mortality rate of 6%, and a higher maternal mortality rate of 29.1 deaths per 100,000 births. To address these concerning trends in Eastern Virginia, Riverside Health has established Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists, located on the campus of Riverside Regional Medical Center (RRMC). This clinic will diagnose, manage and treat complex pregnancy conditions for patients living in Hampton Roads. Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM), also known as perinatology, is a specialized branch of obstetrics that focuses on the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy when there are complications or high-risk conditions. Patients may be referred to a MFM by their OB-GYN for additional support and co-management of conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, multiple gestation, placenta or umbilical anomaly, or other pre-existing medical conditions that can cause pregnancy complications.
“Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine will care for a wide variety of conditions that impact the health and wellness of the mother and the baby, anywhere along the journey of pregnancy through delivery,” says Sally Ryan, Chief Operating Officer for Riverside Medical Group. “We know first-hand that every pregnancy journey is unique and we are dedicated to providing personalized care and support every step of the way.”
Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists also offers preconception counseling, genetic counseling and advanced diagnostic ultrasounds, which utilizes high-resolution imaging technology to monitor fetal development, detect anomalies, and assess the overall health of the baby. Additionally, the clinic offers comprehensive prenatal care and supportive services, management of maternal health conditions, all aimed at addressing the unique needs of high-risk pregnancies.
“Maternal Fetal Medicine clinics are essential in providing the highest level of care for complex pregnancies,” says Joseph King, M.D., an OBGYN with Riverside Partners in Women’s Health and Service Line Chief for Obstetrics. “Our multi-disciplinary team, including specialized perinatologists, are focused on comprehensive care for mothers and their unborn babies. Our goal is to utilize advanced diagnostic tools and specialized collaborative care to strive for the best possible health outcomes.”
As part of Riverside’s continuum of care for mom and baby, RRMC offers an antepartum unit, labor and delivery, woman and infant care and the only level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on the peninsula. To learn more about maternal fetal medicine at Riverside, please visit riversideonline.com/mfm.