Edina Maternal Fetal
Maternal Fetal Consultants is now the Edina Maternal Fetal location of Almara
Maternal Fetal Consultants has long collaborated with 6 other Twin Cities, physician-owned, OBGYN practices to build healthcare for women that is personalized, comprehensive, and leading edge. Now we are coming together under one name–Almara Women’s Health.
The word Almara combines togetherness, wholeness, and perseverance. It’s the things we see in patients, each other, and our approach.
Welcome to Almara, health care built for women.
Location Directions
Located in the 6545 Tower of the Southdale Medical Center.
Parking Directions
Free parking is available on westside of the 6545 Southdale Medical building in the surface lot on the northwest corner of France Ave and 66th Street. Enter the Southdale Medical main entrance and take the elevators to the 5th Floor, Suite 510.
View our Campus Map.
We worked with Dr. Jacobs during our pregnancy & we couldn’t have asked for better care. She was thoughtful, kind and very informative on everything going on in our pregnancy. I can’t recommend her and her team enough! Extra bonus she reached out after to check on everyone.
~ Colby
Expert care
Our Care Team
Care is directed by Dr. Katherine Jacobs and supported by a group of genetic counselors, physician assistants, nurses, and sonographers. Messages are typically answered the same day by experienced nurses who work closely with your primary care provider.
Whole life care
A Better Way to OBGYN
Edina Maternal Fetal Medicine specializes in the health of mother and baby during high risk pregnancies. We work closely with genetic counselors, neonatologists, pediatrics, and cardiologist to integrate care. With expansive views of womanhood and OBGYN services, we welcome women of all experiences into small practice groups that center around personalized, all-encompassing, leading-edge care. Both in-person and virtual appointments are available.
Get answers
Edina Maternal Fetal FAQs
How do I know if I need to see a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist?
During your Almara OGBYN visit, your physician will conduct a full pregnancy assessment and talk with you about the right level of care for any conditions and to make referrals into maternal fetal medicine if needed.
What is Maternal Fetal Medicine and how is it different from general OBGYN?
Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) is a medical subspecialty that focuses on the care of pregnant patients and their unborn babies during high-risk pregnancies. Maternal medical conditions, fetal abnormalities, and pregnancy complications of pregnancy can all cause conditions that need regular monitoring and treatment for healthy deliveries and recovery.
Throughout pregnancies, your physician will use various diagnostic techniques to assess the health of the fetus, including ultrasound, fetal echocardiography, and amniocentesis and treat any medical conditions that may affect the pregnancy, such as diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders.
What type of training do Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians have?
Overall, Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians have a specialized knowledge and skill set that enables them to provide a higher-level, and more comprehensive, expert care during high risk pregnancies. While general obstetricians are able to manage many high-risk pregnancies, maternal fetal medicine specialists are uniquely trained and equipped to manage the most complex and challenging cases.
Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians are obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) undergo an additional 3 years of training in the diagnosis, management and treatment of high-risk pregnancies. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as genetic counselors, neonatologists, and pediatric cardiologists, to provide comprehensive care for the patient and fetus.
What is unique to a maternal fetal medicine practice?
There are several unique aspects of maternal fetal medicine that set it apart from other areas of OBGYN:
- Advanced diagnostic tools: MFM specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the health of the fetus and diagnose any fetal abnormalities or conditions. This may include genetic testing, fetal echocardiography, and other specialized tests.
- Specialized treatments: MFM specialists are familiar with a range of specialized treatments and interventions that may be used to manage high-risk pregnancies. These may include fetal surgery, medication management, and other treatments to optimize the health of the patient and the baby.
- Multidisciplinary care: MFM specialists work closely with other healthcare providers, including obstetricians, neonatologists, genetic counselors, and other specialists to provide comprehensive, coordinated care to high-risk pregnant women and their unborn babies.
- Management of maternal medical conditions: MFM specialists have expertise in managing pre-existing maternal medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders, during pregnancy to minimize the risks to the mother and baby.
- Emotional support and counseling: MFM specialists provide counseling and emotional support to help patients and their families cope with the unique challenges of a high-risk pregnancy.
- Fetal therapy: In some cases, MFM specialists may provide/coordinate fetal therapy to treat certain fetal conditions while the baby is still in the womb. This may include fetal surgery, transfusions, or other interventions.
What can I expect at my first Maternal Fetal Medicine appointment?
Your first maternal fetal medicine (MFM) appointment will involve a comprehensive medical evaluation and a review of your medical history.
Medical history review: Your MFM specialist will ask you about your medical history, including any previous pregnancies, surgeries, medical conditions, and medications. We will also ask about your family history or medical conditions, including genetic conditions.
- Ultrasound: Depending on the reason for your referral, your MFM ultrasound technician will likely perform an ultrasound to evaluate the baby’s growth and development. The MFM physician will review and interpret the ultrasound images and discuss the results with you.
- Blood tests and other diagnostic tests: Your MFM specialist may order or recommend blood tests, genetic testing or other diagnostic tests.
- Development of a care plan: Based on the results of the evaluation and any diagnostic tests, your MFM specialist will develop a care plan that is tailored to your individual needs. This may include recommendations for ongoing monitoring, specialized treatments, or interventions to optimize the health of the patient and baby.
- Counseling and emotional support: Your MFM specialist will provide counseling and emotional support to help you and your family cope with the unique challenges of a high-risk pregnancy.
Your first MFM appointment is an opportunity to receive specialized care and develop a comprehensive care plan that is tailored to your individual needs. Your MFM specialist will work closely with you and your healthcare team to ensure that you receive the best possible care throughout your pregnancy.
What is a level II or perinatal ultrasound?
A level II ultrasound, also known as a targeted or detailed ultrasound, is a specialized ultrasound that is performed during pregnancy to evaluate the health and development of the fetus in more detail than a standard ultrasound. This type of ultrasound is performed by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer with specialized training in high-risk pregnancy. The ultrasound is interpreted by a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist.
During a level II ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are used to create detailed images of the fetus and surrounding structures. The ultrasound may be performed transabdominally or transvaginally, and may take up to an hour or more to complete.
A level II ultrasound can be used to evaluate various aspects of fetal developments and well-being, including:
- Fetal anatomy: The exam can evaluate the structure and function of the fetal organs.
- Fetal growth: The exam can measure the size and weight of the fetus, which can help determine whether the fetus is growing appropriately for its gestational age.
- Placental function: The exam can evaluate the position and function of the placenta, which can impact fetal growth and well-being.
- Amniotic fluid volume: The exam can measure the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, which can provide important information about fetal well-being.
- Fetal movements: the exam can observe fetal movements, which can provide important information about fetal well-being.
A level II ultrasound is an important tool for evaluating fetal development and well-being during pregnancy. It is often recommended for pregnant patients who are at high risk for abnormalities or who have abnormalities detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound. The results of the level II ultrasound can help guide prenatal counseling and planning for delivery and postnatal care.
What is a fetal echocardiogram?
A fetal echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound that is performed during pregnancy to evaluate the structure and function of the fetal heart. This type of ultrasound is typically performed by a specially trained sonographer. During a fetal echocardiogram, high-frequency sound waves are used to create detailed images of the fetal heart. The ultrasound is performed transabdominally.
A fetal echocardiogram can be used to evaluate various aspects of the fetal heart, including:
- Heart structure: The exam can evaluate the structure of the fetal heart and identify any abnormalities, such as holes in the heart, valve defects, or abnormal blood flow patterns.
- Heart function: The exam can evaluate the function of the fetal heart, including heart rate, rhythm, and contraction strength.
- Blood flow: The exam can evaluate blood flow to and from the fetal heart, including the presence of any blockages or narrowing in the blood vessels.
- Diagnosis: The exam can help diagnose fetal heart defects and other cardiac abnormalities.
Fetal echocardiogram is an important tool for evaluating the fetal heart and detecting any potential cardiac abnormalities. It is often recommended for pregnant patients who have a family history of congenital heart disease, have certain medical conditions, or have abnormalities detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound. The results of the fetal echocardiogram can help guide prenatal counseling and planning for delivery and postnatal care.
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What is a cervical cerclage?
A McDonald cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure that is performed during pregnancy to help prevent premature delivery in women who are at risk for cervical insufficiency. The procedure involves placing a stitch around the cervix to keep it closed and prevent it from opening prematurely.
The procedure can be performed around 12-14 weeks of pregnancy for a patient with a history of cervical insufficiency or later in pregnancy if a short or dilated cervix is noted on ultrasound The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under regional anesthesia.
The cerclage stitch is removed around 37 weeks of pregnancy to allow for a normal vaginal delivery. In some cases, the stitch may need to be removed earlier if there are concerns about fetal well-being or signs of labor.
What is a perinatal genetic counselor?
A perinatal genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing information and counseling to individuals and families who may be at risk of having a child with a genetic disorder or birth defect.
The role of a perinatal genetic counselor is to help patients understand the potential genetic risks associated with their pregnancy, and to provide information and guidance about available testing and screening options. They will also help patients make informed decisions about their pregnancy based on the information available.
Perinatal genetic counselors work closely with maternal fetal medicine specialists, as well as medical geneticists, and other healthcare professionals, to provide coordinated care to high-risk pregnancies.
During a counseling session, a perinatal genetic counselor will typically review the patient’s medical and family history, discuss the potential genetic risks associated with the pregnancy, and provide information about available testing and screening options. They may also help the patient understand the results of any genetic testing that has been performed, and provide guidance and support as needed throughout the pregnancy and beyond.
What is a perinatal sonographer?
A perinatal sonographer is a specialized medical professional who uses ultrasound imaging technology to examine and monitor the health of fetuses during pregnancy by evaluating the growth, development, and the overall health of the fetus.
During an ultrasound exam, a perinatal sonographer will use a transducer to emit high-frequency sound waves through the patient’s abdomen, which bounce off the fetus and surrounding structures to create images that can be viewed on a monitor. The sonographer will carefully assess these images and document the findings for the MFM physician.
Perinatal sonographers perform a variety of specialized ultrasound exams, including level II ultrasounds, fetal echocardiograms, and cervical length measurements.
What is the role of a Maternal Fetal Medicine Registered Nurse?
A maternal fetal medicine registered nurse in an ultrasound clinic is a specialized healthcare professional who works closely with perinatal specialists, including maternal fetal medicine physicians and perinatal sonographers, to provide high-quality care to patients with high-risk pregnancies.
The role of an MFM RN includes:
- Patient Assessment: The MFM RN may assess patients’ medical history, perform physical examinations and monitor vital signs to help identify any potential risks or complications related to the pregnancy.
- Patient Education: The MFM RN will provide education and support to patients about ultrasound procedures, fetal monitoring, and other aspects of perinatal care.
- Coordination of Care: The MFM RN will help to coordinate care as it pertains to communication with the patients’ primary obstetrician, other Pediatric subspecialist appointments.
- Documentation: The MFM RN will prepare consultations and prepare patient charts for subsequent visits.
- Support for Patients and Families: The MFM RN may provide emotional support to patients and their families, answering questions and providing reassurance about the pregnancy and the care being provided.
The role of an MFM RN in an ultrasound clinic is to support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care to pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies, working collaboratively with a team of perinatal specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.
