maternofetale

Maternofetale refers to the maternal-fetal domain of medicine, focusing on the health of the pregnant person and the developing fetus and the interactions between them. It encompasses risk assessment, fetal surveillance, diagnosis of fetal or maternal conditions, and interventions intended to optimize outcomes for both mother and child. The term is used in some languages to describe what in English is commonly called maternal-fetal medicine or perinatology.

The field is multidisciplinary, typically involving obstetricians, perinatologists, neonatologists, sonographers, genetic counselors, and other specialists. Core concerns include monitoring fetal growth and well-being, managing maternal diseases that can affect pregnancy (such as hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disorders), and identifying pregnancies at risk due to placental problems, infections, fetal genetic or structural abnormalities, or multiple gestations. Diagnostic tools include ultrasound, Doppler studies of fetal and placental circulation, noninvasive prenatal testing, and invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, as well as fetal echocardiography and, when indicated, fetal MRI.

Management aims to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality while respecting maternal autonomy and ethical considerations. This may involve medical treatment during pregnancy, fetal interventions when appropriate, delivery planning to optimize neonatal outcomes, and postnatal care coordination. Advances in imaging, genomics, and fetal therapy have expanded the range of conditions that can be diagnosed and treated before birth, contributing to improved outcomes for many pregnancies.

Related concepts include obstetrics, perinatology, and fetal medicine, all centered on the health of both mother and fetus during pregnancy.