Skip to Main Content
Hospital Visitor Guidelines

Riley Children's Health has implemented hospital inpatient visitor restrictions to protect patients and help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. View full details for Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and Riley Children's Health at IU Health North.

Mobile sized logo
  • 317.944.5000
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Refer a Patient
    • Plan My Visit
    • Pay a Bill
    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer
    • Find a Career
    • Health Information
    • Find a Doctor
    • Departments & Programs
    • Support Services
    • Contact & Locations
    • Refer a Patient
    • My IU Health Patient Portal
  • Search
Riley Children's Health
  • 317.944.5000
  • My IU Health Patient Portal
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Refer a Patient
    • Plan My Visit
    • Pay a Bill
    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer
    • Find a Career
  • Search
Search
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Refer a Patient
    • Plan My Visit
    • Pay a Bill
    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer
    • Find a Career
  • Health Information
  • Find a Doctor
  • Departments & Programs
  • Support Services
  • Contact & Locations
  • My IU Health Patient Portal
  • General Information
    317.944.5000
  • Health Information
  • Find a Doctor
  • Departments & Programs
  • Support Services
  • Contact & Locations
Riley Children's Health

Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)

Maternity Matters Banner

Contact the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department

317.944.7010

  • On This Page:
  • Overview
  • What to Expect
  • The Right Care at the Right Time
  • FAQs
  • Conditions & Services
  • Doctors & Locations
  • Related Departments & Programs
  • Related Stories
  • For Health Professionals
Go back to the top of the page

At Riley Children’s Health, our team of highly skilled Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists are committed to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care for mother and baby. We are here to provide peace of mind and guide you to a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Leaders in treating high-risk pregnancies

Leaders in treating high-risk pregnancies

A MFM specialist is a doctor with specialized training in high-risk pregnancies and babies. These specialists have a traditional obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) education but with three additional years of advanced training in the treatment of pregnancy complications. MFM specialists treat and observe expectant mothers with acute and chronic medical conditions or pregnancy complications. They also provide care for babies who have birth defects or developmental problems.

Your OB/GYN or family medicine doctor may refer you to our highly skilled team of MFM specialists if you’ve had a past pregnancy complication, a chronic medical condition, or an unexpected maternal health issue. Whatever your situation, our team of experts is committed to delivering the best possible care for your family.

What to expect at Riley Children’s

What to expect at Riley Children’s

Expert Prenatal Evaluation

At Riley Children’s, we offer an integrated approach to caring for expectant moms and newborns. If suspected to have a high-risk pregnancy, our prenatal diagnosis program first evaluates mothers and babies through a detailed ultrasound, genetic screening and tests, and various diagnostic testing. We offer prenatal genetic counseling for patients and families with a known or at risk maternal, fetal and family genetic condition. This allows our specialists to identify possible health problems earlier and determine the best treatment options.

Customized Care for You and Your Baby

In a prenatal appointment, our doctors answer your questions and consult with you to develop a plan of care for you and your child. If your baby is found to have a high-risk fetal condition, the Fetal Center supports you and your family. Rather than sending you from one specialist to the next, we are all in the same room—at the same time—to offer a clear picture of your situation. We explain how your baby’s birth will go and the path after delivery.

Evaluation and Counseling

The Fetal Center offers comprehensive evaluation and counseling for expectant mothers with high-risk fetal conditions.

Learn more about the Fetal Center

The Right Care at the Right Time

The Right Care at the Right Time

After delivery, babies with one or more health problems may start life in one of our neonatal intensive care units (NICU) or the Level IV NICU at Riley Hospital for Children—which offers the highest level of care for newborns. Often babies who receive care in our NICUs are at a higher risk for developmental delays. These children are eligible for our Newborn Follow-Up Program, a free program that monitors your baby’s growth and development.

Whether you anticipated your child’s stay in the NICU or it was unexpected, our nationally ranked neonatologists strive to deliver well-rounded support for you and your growing family.

Support for You & Your Family

While your baby’s health is at the forefront of your mind, you may also be worried about the financial impact of a hospital stay. NICU Nest offers healthcare financing consultations to help you prepare to pay for your hospital stay, including assistance applying for programs specific to your family’s needs. NICU Nest also provides parent and newborn education, suggestions on bonding with baby while in the hospital, and tours and information to help navigate Riley Children’s.

Bereavement counseling to support families through the emotional trial of a health challenge is also an option, and our nurse practitioners serve as ambassadors to families answering any questions or concerns.

Featured Story Mom and Baby

Listen to the Maternity Matters Podcast

Learn more about maternity-related topics to help you during your journey as an expectant mom or new parent

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a high-risk pregnancy? How common is it?

A high-risk pregnancy is one with increased health risks for the expectant mother, unborn child, or both. High-risk pregnancies are not uncommon and with early prenatal care many women still have a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

Our MFM specialists are experts in this area and will help you and your family navigate any potential pregnancy complications which may include referral to the Fetal Center. The Fetal Center coordinates additional testing and consultation with multiple specialties to provide a more clear picture of your situation.

What types of conditions cause high-risk pregnancies?

A mother’s maternal age, lifestyle choices, and pregnancy history may contribute to a high-risk pregnancy. For instance, smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol may put a pregnancy at risk. Maternal health problems before pregnancy such as high blood pressure, obesity, and heart or blood disorders, can also increase pregnancy risks. When a mother is carrying more than one child or a complication has developed during pregnancy, there may also be some risk for the expectant mother.

To prevent a high-risk pregnancy, consult with your healthcare provider and seek regular care at prenatal visits to monitor the health of you and your baby.

What should I expect at my first MFM appointment?

When visiting an MFM specialist at Riley Children’s, you should expect to discuss your medical history in-detail including any past pregnancy complications or other health concerns. We want to learn more about you during your fist visit and answer any questions you may have as a partner in your healthcare. You can anticipate routine pregnancy lab work and screenings along with additional testing as determined by our healthcare providers. From here, we will actively plan the rest of your pregnancy through delivery and postpartum.

Why choose Riley Children’s for MFM care?

When your family faces a high-risk pregnancy, you need a partner who can deliver the highest level of maternal-fetal medicine. Riley Children’s is home to Indiana’s largest team of MFM specialists and we are highly skilled in caring for expectant mothers and unborn babies. Our team works side by side with the state’s leading neonatologists, pediatrics specialists, and your family to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Conditions & Services

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Conditions Treated

Our board-certified, nationally known physicians use advanced research, diagnosis and treatments to care for you and your baby. Here are just a few of the conditions the Riley Maternal-Fetal Medicine department treats.

  • Abdominal Wall Defects
  • Anemia
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome
  • Chorioangioma
  • Chronic Hypertension
  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Gastroschisis in Babies
  • Gestational Hypertension
  • High Blood Pressure in Kids
  • Hirschsprung's Disease
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Hydronephrosis
  • Hydrops Fetalis
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome
  • Omphalocele
  • Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Prior Preterm Birth
  • Red Blood Alloimmunization
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Spina Bifida
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula
  • Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence
  • Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Vasa Previa
  • Ventricular Septal Defects

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Services Offered

We offer a number of different Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) services. Below are some, but not all, of the services that we provide. If you have a question about a specific service that is not listed here, please contact our department.

  • Amniocentesis
  • Chorionic Villus Sampling
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
  • Fetal Blood Sampling and Intrauterine Transfusion
  • Pediatric Genetic Counseling
  • Pre-conception Genetic Counseling
  • Prenatal Blood Tests
  • Prenatal Genetic Counseling
  • Prenatal Ultrasound
  • Selective Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation (SFLP)

Doctors and Locations

Doctors

Find a Location Near You

Find a Location Near You

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 6 facilities offering Maternal-Fetal Medicine care by entering your city or zip below.

See all facilities →

Related Programs & Departments

Related Programs & Departments

We provide multispecialty care for a number of conditions. Below are links to our related programs & departments.

  • Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)
  • Cardiovascular Genetics Program
  • Fetal Center
  • Maternity & Newborn Health
  • Medical & Molecular Genetics
  • Neonatology (NICU)
  • Newborn Follow-up Program
  • Outpatient-Based Opioid Treatment Program
  • Prenatal Diagnosis Program
  • Reproductive Health Program for Adolescents & Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
  • Riley Heart Center

Related Stories

Related Stories

Blog Patient and Family Advisory Council

Riley mom shares her experience so you can share yours

06/19/25 Patient Stories

A team member finds expertise and support to guide her through a rocky pregnancy and now invites others to join the Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Continue reading
Blog Kangaroo-a-thon

Kangaroo care puts babies and parents at ease

05/15/25 Patient Care

Riley NICUs are participating in a Kangaroo-a-thon to promote the practice of skin-to-skin care and the healing benefits it provides.

Continue reading
Blog Piper Norris

In-utero therapy for cystic fibrosis: Baby Piper's CF journey

03/16/25 Patient Stories

A Plainfield mom was the first Riley patient to take Trikafta while pregnant to help her daughter, who was diagnosed with CF before birth. Both are doing well today.

Continue reading
Blog Brooks Keener

Newborn’s rare diagnosis echoes father’s past

02/28/25 Patient Stories

The Riley fetal surgery team saves the life of an infant 30 years after his dad suffered a similar condition that threatened lung development.

Continue reading
Blog Owen Lower

Baby Owen is thriving after massive tumor is removed

02/13/25 Patient Stories

“I once tried to prepare my heart for the possibility of losing him, and I am endlessly grateful that he is here with us.”

Continue reading
Blog Rapha Born

“We have the means and the teams here to take care of these babies”

01/21/25 Patient Stories

A scary diagnosis for one Indiana couple led to their unborn baby being treated in utero for fluid buildup in the chest. Today, baby Rapha is happy and healthy.

Continue reading
Blog Emily Acosta

“It’s very special to me to work in the place that saved my life”

10/23/24

Respiratory therapist Emily Acosta was treated at Riley as a newborn; now she takes care of newborns and their moms in the Riley Maternity Tower.

Continue reading
Blog Flynn Helen Roush cooling cradle

Family supports others after the loss of a child

05/02/24

Their baby girl was “born sleeping” one year ago, but Brandon and Shayla Roush channel their grief in a positive way.

Continue reading
Blog Destinee Miles Labor and Delivery Nurse

Birthing hope: The fight for Black maternal health

04/10/24

Black women disproportionately experience unfavorable pregnancy outcomes compared to women of other racial and ethnic groups. In fact, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die during...

Continue reading
Blog Berggren pic

Family reunites with surgeon who saved their babies after TTTS diagnosis

03/31/24 Patient Stories

The Berggren family reunited with the team that jumped into action when their twins were diagnosed with a life-threatening condition while they were still in utero. When Kelli was 18 weeks...

Continue reading
Blog Peterson1web

Couple’s little girl is rare and wonderful

02/29/24 Patient Stories

On this Rare Disease Day, meet Elowyn Peterson, who has brought joy and laughter into the lives of her young parents.

Continue reading
Blog Rietowweb1

Brady is ready for some football

01/04/24 Patient Stories

He might not be quarterback material yet, but this little guy, born at just 23 weeks, is closing in on a big win.

Continue reading
Blog Koehn1web

TTTS twins are thriving after surgery in the womb

12/26/23 Patient Stories

Ten-month-old babies Hayleigh and Rachel Koehn continue to hit all of their milestones despite a rocky start to life.

Continue reading
Blog Hazel4web

“Four years ago was born a miracle”

12/26/23 Patient Stories

An incredibly rare pregnancy complication threatened this child’s life before she was born, but today Hazel Grace is a sassy, social and strong 4-year-old.

Continue reading
Blog Quintsweb1

NICU nurses open their hearts to tiny patients

08/17/23 Patient Stories

Through heartache and loss, mixed with joy and celebrations, the parents of quintuplets find extra support from a pair of nurses who walked the journey with them.

Continue reading
Blog Div pic

Divinity nearly died while in labor, the Riley medical team's quick actions saved her

08/10/23 Patient Stories

Divinity Crittendon thought she would have a routine delivery for her second child in April at the Riley Maternity Tower. But, her condition suddenly declined. Just hours after arriving at the...

Continue reading
Blog Koehn pic

Family grateful to Riley fetal surgeons for performing life-saving procedure on their twins

07/27/23 Patient Stories

Rebekah and Daniel Koehn are now home with their five month old twins after navigating a journey with twin to twin transfusion syndrome, also known as TTTS. The condition can threaten the lives of...

Continue reading
Blog Screen Shot 2023 07 24 at 9 59 25 AM

Riley MFM doctor discusses placenta accreta spectrum, a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication

07/24/23

Riley Maternal Fetal Medicine physician Dr. Hiba Mustafa discussed placenta accreta spectrum during an Instagram live. What does this mean for a patient? How is baby affected? She explains how the...

Continue reading
Blog Nedzaweb11

NICU grad: And so the adventure begins

04/18/23 Patient Stories

Five-month-old Nicholas Nedza gets his own graduation cap as he leaves Riley, bound for home.

Continue reading
Blog Nedzaweb1

“Sweet boy Nicholas” will grab your heart

04/02/23 Patient Stories

Born at 26 weeks, NICU baby is doing all the hard work it takes to go home, with help from a team of therapists and other specialists.

Continue reading
Blog Tttstwinsweb1

TTTS twins go home after short NICU stay

03/16/23 Patient Stories

Koehn babies were diagnosed in utero with a rare, life-threatening condition and underwent laser surgery in the womb before they were delivered prematurely.

Continue reading
Blog Koehnweb1

Special delivery: Twins receive lifesaving surgery before birth

02/22/23 Patient Stories

Hayleigh and Rachel Koehn are tiny miracles who survived a rare complication called Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, thanks to fetal intervention surgery at Riley.

Continue reading
Blog Julialeoweb1

“Leo is our relentless little rainbow baby”

02/01/23 Patient Stories

An Indianapolis mother and nurse who suffered the loss of her first child one year ago creates treasured keepsakes for other grieving moms, even as she welcomes a baby boy after a high-risk pregnancy.

Continue reading
Blog Beauweb1

Groundbreaking fetal intervention saves baby’s life

01/04/23 Patient Stories

Indiana woman’s unborn son required three intra-uterine blood transfusions over several weeks before he was safely delivered at Riley this week.

Continue reading
Blog Fetal center photos

Celebrating pregnancy milestones with Fetal Center photo booth

11/20/22

Patients in the Riley Fetal Center spend a lot of time going to appointments due to complications during pregnancy. Courtney Espinosa, a family support coordinator with the NICU Nest team, wanted to help create something for these families to do during their long days in the clinic that would bring some positivity to a stressful experience. So, she set up a pregnancy milestone photo booth in one of the private waiting rooms. Fetal center patients may miss out on things like maternity photos due to preterm deliveries. This new photo area gives them a chance to capture the progression of a pregnancy even between appointments.

Continue reading
Blog Maternity Matters Web

PODCAST: Maternity Matters - Indiana report on maternal mortality finds increased number of deaths, most happened in postpartum period

10/27/22

The latest Indiana Maternal Mortality Report found there were 92 pregnancy-associated deaths in 2020 happening during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy. The expert committee also found that 79 percent of these deaths were preventable. Dr. Carrie Rouse, medical director for Riley Maternity Services and member of the committee, joined us on this episode to delve into the findings of this report. She shared the most noticeable trends in these deaths and how additional support for maternity patients could make a positive impact in the future.

Continue reading
Blog Heartbeatweb1

Fetal care coordinator focuses on the positive moments of pregnancy

10/11/22

To bring joy to patients, the Fetal Center creates heartbeat recordings for families.

Continue reading
Blog Collins Amy Path Lab 01 0708 md

A mother's perspective: Raising a child with tetralogy of fallot

07/25/22 Patient Stories

IU Health team member Amy Collins shares how her daughter’s diagnosis introduced her to the tight-knit heart community.

Continue reading
Blog Staup

It’s a bonus Mother’s Day for this new mom

05/08/22 Patient Stories

“She is supposed to still be in my belly, but it is cool that she is here and I get to hold her and spend time with her on Mother’s Day.”

Continue reading
Blog Mfmweb

View the MFM Clinic and Fetal Center

03/31/22

A new look space helps reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Indiana.

Continue reading

Health Professionals

For Health Professionals

Riley at IU Health reaches out to Indiana’s healthcare professionals to improve care for mothers and babies through training. Follow our links to learn more about continuing medical education opportunities happening around the state.

Maternal-fetal specialists welcome referrals from gynecologists, obstetricians, primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals. To arrange care for patients who are at risk for a complicated pregnancy, contact us at 317.944.7010 or by fax at 317.968.1028.

Refer A Patient

Refer A Patient

Contact Maternal Fetal Medicine at 317.944.7010 or by fax at 317.968.1028.

Refer A Patient

Research

Riley at IU Health maternal-fetal specialists use evidence-based techniques informed by research, including collaborative studies with the Indiana University School of Medicine. Our physicians study a wide range of health problems, including research to identify new methods for detecting and treating women at risk for premature birth, which can increase the rate of infant mortality and give surviving children a higher risk of cardiovascular, lung and metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Education

We provide specialized training in prenatal diagnosis, labor and delivery, ultrasound imaging and high-risk or complicated pregnancies. All medical students, residents and fellows involved in training or care are fully supervised by experienced physicians at Riley at IU Health.

Education Resources:
  • Medical Students
  • Residents
  • Fellowships
Riley Children's Health Indiana University School of Medicine
Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2023-24

©2025 Riley Hospital for Children at
Indiana University Health
Find adult services at iuhealth.org

Get Informed

  • About Riley Children's Health
  • Research & Innovation
  • Health Professionals
  • Medical Education
  • Newsroom
  • Riley Connections Blog
  • Legal Notices

I Want To…

  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Refer a Patient
  • Plan My Visit
  • Pay a Bill
  • Make a Donation
  • Volunteer
  • Find a Career

General Information

317.944.5000

Connect with Riley Children's Health

  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram
  • Rss
Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2023-24

©2025 Riley Hospital for Children at
Indiana University Health
Find adult services at iuhealth.org


Non-discrimination Notice

  • English
  • Español
  • Français
  • Burmese
  • Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch
  • 中文
  • Nederlands
  • Deutsch
  • Hakha
  • 日本語
  • Karen
  • 한국어
  • Русский
  • Tagalog
  • Tiếng Việt
  • العربية
  • हिंदी
  • ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Back to top of the page