For expectant mothers, the prospect of having a baby is both a joyous and exciting one, and most pregnancies proceed smoothly. But for a number of reasons, some women need to be watched more closely during pregnancy. In this case, a woman's obstetrician may suggest she consult with a perinatologist or maternal-fetal medicine specialist. 

Perinatologists are obstetricians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of expectant mothers and their unborn babies, who may be at high risk for special health problems. Women are generally referred to a perinatologist by their obstetrician or by an infertility specialist because he or she sees a potential for a pregnancy-related health concern or because a problem develops during the course of the pregnancy.

A pregnancy may be considered high-risk for a variety of reasons. Some of these include:

•The mother has medical conditions that began before pregnancy, such as diabetes
•The mother develops a medical condition during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia
•The mother experienced problems in a previous pregnancy, such as miscarriage
•Problems are detected in the developing baby
•Complications occur during pregnancy, such as premature labor
•The mother is pregnant with multiples (twins or more)

Should you need the services of a perinatologist, St. Francis Medical Center and the Birth Center are pleased to partner with University Perinatal Consultants, Dr. Michael Muench and Dr. James Betoni, both who are experienced perinatologists who specialize in maternal-fetal medicine and genetics and have advanced training in medical and surgical management of high-risk pregnancies. 

Michael Muench, MD and James Betoni, MD
University Perinatal Consultants
6071 E. Woodmen Rd., Ste. 440
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
(719) 622-3442