Comprised
of six maternal-fetal medicine specialists, the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Service
at
St. John's Mercy Medical Center serves to support the large, general Obstetrical
Service. Resident physicians rotate on the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Service
in their second year and round daily with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Service
throughout their general obstetrical rotations.
Management of critically ill
pregnant patients including diabetes, hypertension, maternal heart disease,
and asthma provide excellent teaching opportunities for residents. Obstetrical
complications including pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, and premature rupture
of membranes are also seen commonly.
Residents are formally trained in the
performance of ultrasound through the Perinatal Center as well as bedside
instruction in Labor and Delivery by the maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
They also participate in invasive procedures including amniocentesis, intravenous
transfusion therapy for isoimmunization, delivery of high order multiples
including a wealth of twins, triplets, and on occasion quadruplets. Close
interaction with the maternal-fetal medicine staff and direct care of these
patients allows the resident physicians to develop skill in caring for critically
ill gravid patients.
