Maternal Fetal Medicine
The Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) section at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital, of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems, is dedicated to incorporating the latest advances in the prenatal care and management of complicated pregnancies.
Care is provided for pregnancies affected by such illnesses as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, epilepsy or seizures, heart disease, infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, clotting or bleeding problems, preeclampsia or toxemia, preterm labor, incompetent cervix, placenta abnormalities such as previa, small baby, lack of or too much amniotic fluid, babies with birth defects, hereditary conditions in the parents that may affect the baby, and a prior history of a complicated pregnancy or baby.
The care provided for complicated pregnancies is a collaborative team approach. For example, our specific emphasis on prenatal diagnosis (defining potential hereditary or congenital problems that may arise in the baby) is a joint effort that is supplemented by the expertise of the Human Genetics Department, with whom we work closely. The Human Genetics department provides knowledgeable genetic counseling regarding such potential concerns as maternal age, an abnormal maternal biochemical marker screening test (triple or quadruple screening), family history of a hereditary condition, such as cystic fibrosis, spina bifida and Down syndrome. If desired by the patient, our antenatal testing unit offers fetal chromosome and DNA assessment by such techniques as amniocentesis, transcervical chorionic villus sampling and fetal blood sampling (cordocentesis).
When a baby is suspected to have a birth defect or chromosomal abnormality, the team approach involves other specialists that will assist the parents in making decisions on the care of their infant. These specialists may include geneticists, neonatologist – specialists that manage babies with complications, and pediatric specialists such as heart doctors, surgeons all with special expertise in the management of babies with complications. In general, prior to birth, the parents will have the opportunity to meet with the doctors to learn and understand the potential outcome and how care will be provided for the baby.
Ultrasound technology is utilized extensively in the evaluation of complicated pregnancies. All three members and the antenatal testing ultrasound unit at the MCV Hospitals and at Stony Point Women’s Health Center are accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine. Accreditation by AIUM accreditation ensures that an ultrasound practice features well-qualified personnel, appropriate ultrasound facilities and equipment, adequate record keeping, quality assurance guidelines, and that the practice meets nationally accepted standards of patient care, demonstrates consistent excellence, and is current with the latest ultrasound technology.
The three members, Drs. Susan Lanni, Thomas Peng, and John Seeds have all had advanced subspecialty training, are all certified by the Board of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the subspecialty of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Peng is also board certified in the specialty of Internal Medicine.
For more information, please visit the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology website's page.
