10 Questions to Ask Your Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Doctor
Being referred to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist can feel overwhelming. Many women hear the words “high-risk pregnancy” and immediately worry that something is wrong — even when the referral is precautionary.
An MFM doctor is a specialist obstetrician with advanced training in managing complex or high-risk pregnancies. Seeing one doesn’t automatically mean bad news — it often means extra expertise, closer monitoring, and more tailored care.
If you’ve been referred to an MFM specialist, these questions can help you feel informed, reassured, and actively involved in your care.
1. Why have I been referred to an MFM specialist?
This is often the most important place to start.
Ask your doctor to explain exactly what prompted the referral — whether it’s a medical condition, pregnancy complication, scan finding, or simply a precaution due to factors like age or a multiple pregnancy.
Understanding the reason helps put the rest of the appointment into context.
2. Does this mean my pregnancy is high-risk?
Not all MFM referrals mean a pregnancy is high-risk.
Some are made to rule things out, provide reassurance, or plan ahead.
Ask:
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How is “high-risk” defined in my situation?
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What specific risks are being monitored?
This helps separate medical facts from fear.
3. What tests or scans will I need — and why?
MFM specialists often recommend advanced ultrasound, blood tests, or genetic screening.
Ask:
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What tests are being suggested?
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What information will they provide?
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Are there any risks involved?
Clear explanations help you feel more confident and prepared.
4. What do these scan or test results actually mean?
Medical language can be confusing — and Google often makes it worse.
Ask your MFM doctor to explain results in plain language:
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What’s normal?
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What’s borderline?
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What needs monitoring?
Never hesitate to ask for clarification — it’s part of good care.
5. How will this affect my pregnancy going forward?
This question shifts the focus from diagnosis to practical planning.
You might ask:
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Will my care change?
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Will I need more frequent appointments?
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Are there lifestyle or activity changes I should consider?
Knowing what lies ahead helps reduce anxiety.
6. Will I continue seeing my regular obstetrician?
In most cases, MFM specialists work alongside your primary obstetrician.
Ask:
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Who will coordinate my care?
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How often will my MFM and obstetric teams communicate?
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Who do I contact if concerns arise?
Team-based care is a key benefit of MFM involvement.
7. How might this affect my birth plan?
Some high-risk pregnancies require adjustments to delivery planning.
Ask:
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Is vaginal birth still possible?
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Is early delivery likely?
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Will I need to deliver in a tertiary hospital?
Early conversations allow for thoughtful, flexible planning rather than last-minute decisions.
8. What symptoms should prompt urgent review?
Knowing what’s normal vs what needs urgent attention is empowering.
Ask your MFM doctor:
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What symptoms should I watch for?
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When should I call or present to hospital?
This helps you feel safer between appointments.
9. What are the best-case and worst-case scenarios?
This can feel like a hard question — but it’s often reassuring.
A good MFM doctor will:
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Explain likely outcomes
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Acknowledge uncertainties
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Focus on what can be monitored or managed
Most pregnancies referred to MFM care progress very well with appropriate support.
10. What questions should I be asking that I haven’t thought of?
This open-ended question invites your doctor to share insights based on experience.
It often leads to:
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Reassurance
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Helpful planning tips
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Clarification of things you didn’t realise were important
See also What to Expect at your first MFM appointment
A Final Reassurance
Being referred to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist doesn’t mean something is “wrong” — it means your pregnancy is being supported with additional expertise and careful attention.
As both an obstetrician and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, Dr Stephen Cole offers comprehensive pregnancy care, from routine antenatal visits through to complex decision-making and delivery — all with a focus on safety, clarity, and personalised support.
If you’re receiving MFM care, asking the right questions can turn uncertainty into confidence — and help you feel supported every step of the way.