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When your pregnancy needs extra care, you may meet healthcare professionals you have not seen before.
You may wonder:
- What does an MFM specialist do?
- Will I still see my regular OB-GYN or midwife?
- Who performs my ultrasound?
- Who will explain my results?
- Who should I call when I have questions?
Different members of your care team have different roles.
Knowing who does what can help you understand your appointments and find the right person to answer your questions.
1. Your MFM Specialist
MFM stands for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
An MFM specialist is a doctor with additional training in caring for pregnancies that may have a greater chance of complications.
The specialist may:
- Review your medical history and pregnancy records.
- Recommend or review ultrasounds and other tests.
- Discuss medical concerns and treatment options.
- Work with your regular pregnancy provider to plan care.
Not every MFM appointment includes a meeting with the specialist.
Sometimes the MFM team sends findings or recommendations to the provider who referred you.
Ask who will explain your results and how you will receive them.
2. Your Regular Pregnancy Provider
Your regular OB-GYN or midwife may continue providing much of your pregnancy care.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
- Regular prenatal visits.
- Managing ongoing pregnancy concerns.
- Coordinating recommended tests and referrals.
- Discussing your birth plan.
- Responding to questions or symptoms between visits.
Your MFM specialist and regular pregnancy provider may work together.
Seeing an MFM specialist does not necessarily mean you will stop seeing your regular provider.
It also does not automatically determine who will deliver your baby.
Ask your healthcare team who will manage your regular visits and delivery planning.
3. Other Members of Your Care Team
You may meet several other professionals.
Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech)
A sonographer takes ultrasound pictures and measurements.
The sonographer may point out parts of your baby's anatomy during the exam.
However, the sonographer generally does not diagnose conditions or explain medical findings. A qualified healthcare provider is responsible for explaining your results.
A quiet sonographer, a serious expression, or extra pictures does not tell you what the results are.
Nurses and Other Clinical Staff
Nurses and clinical staff may help with appointments, health checks, education, testing, and communication.
Their responsibilities vary by clinic.
Genetic Counselor
A genetic counselor may help explain inherited conditions, chromosome-related concerns, genetic testing options, and what certain results may mean.
Not every patient needs genetic counseling.
Other specialists may also be involved depending on your pregnancy.
4. Getting Language Support
You can ask for a qualified medical interpreter when you need one.
Interpreters may be available by phone, video, or in person.
Most clinics that receive federal funding must provide language help at no cost to you.
You should not have to rely on family or friends to explain medical information when qualified interpreter services are available.
You can say:
“I would like a medical interpreter for [your language], please.”
Ask for an interpreter when scheduling your appointment so the clinic has time to arrange support.
Language assistance during an ultrasound may be organized differently from assistance during a conversation with the doctor.
Ask how the clinic handles both parts of your visit.
Words to Know
MFM specialist: A doctor with additional training in caring for pregnancies that need specialized attention.
OB-GYN: A doctor who provides pregnancy and reproductive healthcare.
Sonographer: A trained healthcare professional who performs ultrasound examinations.
Genetic counselor: A professional who helps explain genetic conditions and testing options.
Medical interpreter: A qualified person who helps patients and healthcare professionals communicate in different languages.
The Main Point
Different healthcare professionals may work together to care for your pregnancy. Understanding their roles can help you know whom to ask for information and support.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
Choose the questions that matter most to you.
- What is the MFM specialist's role in my care?
- Will I continue seeing my regular OB-GYN or midwife?
- Who will explain my ultrasound results?
- When and how will I receive my results?
- Who will help plan where and with whom I give birth?
- Who should I contact first if I have a question or concern—my regular OB-GYN or the MFM clinic?
- If I have questions between visits, whom should I call, and what number should I use?
- How can I request a medical interpreter?
A Moment to Reflect
Optional — for your personal reflection.
Is there someone on your healthcare team whose role you would like to understand better?
You can think about your answer or write it in your own notebook or a printable question sheet.
GestaClara doesn't collect or see your answer.
Before You Move On
You now know more about the professionals who may be involved in your pregnancy care.