What to Expect at Your First Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Appointment
Being told you’re being referred to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist can trigger a lot of questions — and a lot of nerves. For many women, it’s their first experience with specialist pregnancy care, and the unknown can feel daunting.
The good news? An MFM appointment is usually thorough, reassuring, and focused on keeping both you and your baby well.
Here’s what you can expect at your first visit.
Why You’ve Been Referred
MFM specialists care for pregnancies that may benefit from additional expertise or closer monitoring.
Common reasons for referral include:
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A medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes
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Scan findings that need further assessment
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Multiple pregnancy (twins or higher-order multiples)
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Previous pregnancy complications
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Maternal age or other risk factors
Importantly, many referrals are precautionary — not a sign that something is wrong.
How Long the Appointment Usually Takes
Your first MFM appointment is often longer than a standard antenatal visit.
It may include:
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A detailed review of your medical and pregnancy history
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One or more advanced ultrasound scans
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Time to discuss findings and next steps
Because the focus is on detail and clarity, it’s not unusual for appointments to last 45–90 minutes.
The Ultrasound and Assessments
MFM ultrasounds tend to be more detailed than routine scans.
Depending on your situation, the specialist may assess:
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Baby’s growth and anatomy
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Placenta location and function
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Amniotic fluid levels
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Blood flow through the placenta or baby’s vessels
You’ll usually be shown what’s being looked at and why — and you’re encouraged to ask questions throughout.
Discussing Results on the Same Day
One of the advantages of MFM care is that results are usually discussed immediately.
Your doctor will explain:
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What appears normal
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What may need monitoring
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Whether any further tests are recommended
This real-time feedback can be hugely reassuring and helps avoid days of anxious waiting.
Possible Tests You May Be Offered
Not everyone will need additional testing, but depending on your situation, your MFM doctor may discuss:
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Blood tests
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Genetic screening or counselling
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Follow-up scans
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Referral to other specialists if needed
You should always feel comfortable asking why a test is being suggested and what information it will provide.
How Your Care May Change After the Appointment
Some pregnancies require:
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More frequent ultrasounds
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Shared care between your obstetrician and MFM specialist
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Adjustments to birth planning
Others simply benefit from a single specialist review and reassurance. Your MFM doctor will outline what ongoing care — if any — is recommended.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
To get the most out of your visit, consider:
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Bringing copies of relevant test results if you have them
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Writing down questions in advance
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Bringing a support person if allowed
You may also find it helpful to read our guide on the key questions to ask your MFM doctor, which can help you feel more prepared and confident going in.
👉 Internal link: “10 Questions to Ask Your MFM Doctor”
A Reassuring Perspective
Many women leave their first MFM appointment feeling more informed and less anxious than when they arrived. The goal of MFM care is not to alarm — it’s to provide clarity, expertise, and reassurance where needed.
If you’ve been referred for an MFM review, know that it’s a proactive step — one designed to support both you and your baby.