Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Kathleen Kuhlman, MD, is the medical director of Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Center.

Question:  What does a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician do?

Answer:  Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians, also known as perinatologists, are obstetricians specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and continuing care of expectant moms and their unborn babies, who may be at a higher risk for special health problems.

Question:  Why would someone go to a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician?

Answer:  Typically, if an obstetrician or infertility specialist sees potential for a pregnancy-related health concern, or if a problem develops during pregnancy, women are generally referred to a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist.  Of course, some women choose to see a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician on their own as well. 

More and more, women are referred for pre-conception consultation to plan for pregnancy when there are risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, lupus, etc.

Question:  If I’m referred to a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician, should I be alarmed?

Answer:  Going to a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist should not cause unnecessary worry for expectant mothers.  And, it does not mean that the pregnancy will be difficult.  More often than not, it is a precautionary measure that protects the mother and baby, while giving the parents peace of mind.

Question:  If I see a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician, does he/she become my obstetrician?

Answer:  Usually not.  The Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist works in collaboration with your obstetrician.  Although an expectant mom may see the specialist several times during the course of her pregnancy, her obstetrician will usually deliver the baby.

Question:  What types of services does a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician provide?

Answer:  At Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Center, We provide high level obstetric ultrasound including detailed fetal anatomy survey, 3-D ultrasound, first-trimester screening, fetal growth and development; Doppler study for fetal well-being; fetal health assessment including NST, biophysical profile, and amniotic fluid volume; genetic testing comprised of amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS); fetal echocardiogram and high-risk pregnancy consultation both in pregnancy and prior to pregnancy.  We also offer evaluation for pregnancy loss, including 3D sonohysterogram or “virtual hysteroscopy.

Question:  Are there other hospitals in the West Valley who have a Maternal Fetal Medicine Center?

Answer:  Banner Thunderbird is unique in that the full range of services is provided in one location.

Question:  How do you get in touch with the Maternal Fetal Medicine Center?

Answer:  Our phone number is (602) 865-4200.  We are open Monday through Friday.