Where Is the "M" in Maternal-Fetal Medicine?

In contrast to the generally encouraging trend regarding global maternal mortality, there has been an apparent increase in the maternal mortality ratio in the United States. Although maternal death remains a relatively rare adverse event in this country, programs to reduce maternal mortality also will result in a reduction in maternal morbidity, which is a far more prevalent problem. Progress in the field of maternal-fetal medicine over the past several decades has been largely attributable to improvements in fetal and neonatal medicine. We need to develop an organized, national approach focused on reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. The goal will be to outline a specific plan for clinical, educational, and research initiatives to put the "M" back in maternal-fetal medicine. (Obstet Gynecol 2010;116:1401-4)