Dr. Thomas F. Rowe and Dr. Linda A. Goodrum are each board certified in Maternal Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology. They each have full privileges at Clear Lake Regional Hospital in Webster, Texas. Clear Lake Regional Hospital has a level III neonatal intensive care unit, a pediatric cardiologist and award winning pregnancy care. They participate in a perinatal transfer center and accept patients with acute prenatal or peripartum complications from smaller hospitals in the region. They also co-manage patients with the obstetrician and assist in development of treatment and delivery plans.
Our clinic has four state-of-the-art obstetric ultrasound machines. Our four ultrasound technicians have experience in obstetric ultrasound and fetal echocardiography (detailed ultrasound of the baby's heart). Our clinic has ample space for counseling and performance of amniocentesis. There is an on-site genetic counselor for scheduled consultations. Children and families are welcome to participate in the ultrasound experience.
Our new partner, Dr. Angela Earhart, practices at our Kingwood location.
Accreditations
Services Provided
What is a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist?
A maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialist is also known as a perinatologist or high risk obstetrician.
Maternal fetal medicine requires an additional 2- 3 years of specialized training (fellowship) after completing a general obstetrics and gynecology residency. The training encompasses research techniques, teaching skills and refinement of ultrasound and procedure skills. A physician who specializes in maternal fetal medicine must be certified in general obstetrics and gynecology, as well as maternal fetal medicine. Recertification is done on a yearly basis. Some maternal fetal medicine specialists may also receive additional training and certification in first trimester nuchal translucency measurement, genetics/dysmorphology, or fetal surgery and intervention.
Maternal fetal medicine focuses on pregnancies complicated by acute and chronic maternal illnesses, fetal birth defects, and problems unique to pregnancy. Maternal fetal medicine specialists perform procedures such as comprehensive ultrasound, amniocentesis, fetal echocardiograms (detailed look at the fetal heart), highly specialized fetal in-utero interventions such as blood transfusions and shunt placements, genetic screening and cervical cerclage. The specialist counsels and co-manages pregnancies complicated by diseases such as chronic hypertension, diabetes, seizure disorders, blood clotting problems, autoimmune disease, anemia, and maternal cardiac disease. MFM specialists also assist in management of pregnancies complicated by preterm labor, preeclampsia, placental problems such as previa and accreta, preterm premature rupture of membranes (early rupture of amniotic sac), multiple gestations, and incompetent (weak) cervix.
Counseling may also include preconception (before pregnancy) advice on preparations that the mom needs to make prior to becoming pregnant and in giving a risk assessment of the safety of pregnancy for the mom-to-be.