Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Maternal-fetal medicine is the branch of obstetrics that relates to the management of complicated and high-risk pregnancies. Medical complications of pregnancy may include heart disease, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes, infectious diseases and lupus.

Feinstein Institute researchers are conducting maternal-fetal medicine research in several areas that include the regulation of maternal and fetal inflammation and how inflammation during pregnancy correlates with various maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. They study conditions that negatively impact the health of pregnant mothers and their babies like preterm labor, preeclampsia, maternal infections, intrauterine growth restriction, obesity, and gestational diabetes. Scientists also are investigating the consequence of in utero exposure to maternal antibodies and its potential role in autism and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, the group has established the Generations Project, which aims to collect data and biological materials to support research projects in various areas of maternal-fetal medicine.

Feinstein Institute investigators conducting maternal-fetal medicine research include Betty Diamond; Peter K. Gregersen; Christine Metz and Burton Rochelson.