Maternal Fetal Medicine
Maternal fetal medicine (MFM) is a rapidly evolving medical field which concerns the health of fetuses and pregnant women. Specialists in the field are obstetrician-gynecologists who focus on the assessment and management of high-risk pregnancies.
If you have been referred to Cook Children's program, chances are, you are scared and worried about your baby or babies. Let us assure you, we're here for you. Our team, led by Holly Dunn, M.D., promises to take the best possible care of you and your baby.
Quality maternal care, closer to home
High-quality care for at-risk pregnant women in West Texas is now available at Cook Children's Maternal Fetal Medicine center in Abilene. Our team embraces years of experience specializing in the care and treatment of women whose pregnancies are considered high-risk. And because we're Cook Children's, you and your baby will have direct access to more than 120 specialties and subspecialties and the only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the area with all-single rooms, meaning that if the need arises, you can stay with your baby 24/7.
If your baby needs to be followed by a specialist after delivery, you can receive care closer to home at our multispecialty clinic in Abilene. Our team will work together with the specialists at Cook Children's to bundle your specialist appointments, meaning less time traveling and more time spent with your family.
Meet our doctors
Maternal fetal medicine services
High-quality care for at-risk pregnant women in West Texas is now available at Cook Children's Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) center in Abilene.
We are specialized in the care and treatment of women whose pregnancies are considered high-risk because of existing conditions, family history of genetic diseases, twin, triplet, quadruplet or more pregnancies, or previous complications during pregnancy. Our expert team has the training and skills to provide the very best care for mom and baby. We work tirelessly to ensure the safest possible delivery.
Upon your first visit, if a fetal anomaly is discovered, we will create a plan to determine exactly the right care for mom and baby. That may include coordinating care with the delivery hospital, any necessary specialists and (if their presence is necessary during birth) an MFM who delivers babies.
Who should see the MFM team?
Cook Children's MFM team sees expectant moms if they're at risk for pregnancy-related complications, including:
- Preterm labor
- Preeclampsia
- Twin/triplet/quadruplets pregnancies
- Fetuses at risk because of the mom's underlying health condition, like heart disease, hypertension or diabetes
Types of maternal fetal medicine services
- Detailed, or level 2, ultrasound
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Biophysical profiles
- Nonstress test
- Fetal echo
- Amniocentesis
- Amnioreduction
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a regular obstetrician and an MFM specialist?
An MFM specialist is an obstetrician (OB) who has received three additional years of specialized training on the assessment and management of high-risk pregnancies.
Will I continue to see my OB and the MFM doctor?
Yes, both doctors work together to coordinate care for fetuses and women throughout the pregnancy.
Do MFM doctors deliver?
Dr. Dunn will attend surgical deliveries when placenta accreta is anticipated. For all other deliveries, she will coordinate with your OB or an MFM doctor who delivers.
How do I know if I need to see an MFM specialist? Who will refer me?
You should see an MFM specialist if your fetus is at risk, or if you are at risk for pregnancy-related complications or have specialized medical concerns. Pregnant women with such risks will be referred to an MFM specialist by the OB.
Your visit
Welcome to Cook Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine center. We are happy that you have entrusted the care of you and your unborn child to us. As you get started on your journey, we know that things can seem pretty complicated, so you'll find information here that will help keep things a little more simple. The following is provided to help reduce your anxiety and prevent unnecessary stress.
Confirm and update patient information in your MyCookChildren's patient portal
If your child has an upcoming appointment that requires forms and information to be completed or updated, you can now do so before your appointment, in your MyCookChildren's portal account.
Simply login to your child's MyCookChildren's account, select 'Visits' and then the green 'eCheck-In' icon for your child's upcoming appointment. From there, you can fill out the necessary forms needed. This process from start to finish should take less than 20 minutes and will shorten your time in our office. Please note: the forms and questionnaires are specific to who your appointment is with and what is needed for that type of appointment. Even if you recently updated forms, there may be new items to complete that are specific for this appointment.
Our office locations
Before your visit
Prior to your visit, you will want to contact your managed care provider with questions about your insurance coverage, co-payments or deductibles. You may also be contacted by a patient registration representative with benefit information. Depending on your situation, you may want to meet with someone from our social services department for assistance with financial issues.
What you'll need to bring
Bring the following information to your appointment:
- Your photo identification and insurance card(s)
- Paperwork for referrals, authorizations and physician's orders
At the time of check-in, you will be asked to pay any deductibles, co-payments or unmet out-of-pocket expenses that apply. For your convenience, most major credit cards are accepted