A Legacy of Love and Care: Dr. Chinmay Umarji’s Lifelong Dedication to Mothers and Children on International Women’s Day
Pune, 8th March 2025: Dr. Chinmay Pramod Umarji – a renowned Maternal and Fetal Medicine Consultant with international training in India, Ireland, and the UK. He serves as Lead Consultant at Umarji Hospitals and U-Care Center, Pune, and as Visiting Expert at Sassoon General Hospital. As President of the Society of Fetal Medicine, Greater Pune Chapter, he drives innovation in maternal-fetal care. Dr. Umarji has pioneered procedures like the first uterine transplant in the Asia-Pacific region and has contributed extensively to research and education. He is a respected mentor, shaping the future of fetal medicine through national training programs and workshops.
Dr. Umarji, what inspired you to specialize in maternal-fetal medicine, particularly in high-risk pregnancies and fetal therapy?
From the beginning of my medical journey, I was drawn to the intersection of technology, clinical care, and patient outcomes. Fetal medicine is a field where advancements directly impact survival and quality of life—not just for the baby, but for the entire family. The ability to intervene before birth, to change the course of a baby’s life through precise diagnosis and treatment, is both challenging and deeply fulfilling. High-risk pregnancies require a multidisciplinary approach, and I am passionate about developing systems that provide seamless, patient-centered care.
On this Women’s Day, what message would you like to share with women navigating the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood?
Pregnancy and motherhood are life-changing experiences, and every woman’s journey is unique. My message is simple: Trust yourself, trust science, and don’t hesitate to seek support. Too often, women are overwhelmed by societal expectations. It’s important to prioritize your health—physically and mentally. Safe motherhood is a collective responsibility, and as doctors, families, and society, we must ensure that every woman receives the best care, respect, and support she deserves.
You’ve been actively involved in improving antenatal care in collaboration with the Government hospitals. What are the key areas where India’s maternal healthcare programs need improvement?
We need to address three major gaps:
Preventive healthcare: Many complications arise because of late detection. Universal screening for high-risk conditions should be implemented at the primary care level.
Bridging the urban-rural divide: While cities have access to specialists, rural areas struggle with basic antenatal care. We need mobile health units, telemedicine, and skill training for frontline healthcare workers.
Postnatal and mental health support: A woman’s journey doesn’t end with childbirth. Stronger programs for postpartum recovery, breastfeeding support, and mental health care should be prioritized.
How have advancements in fetal imaging and diagnostics improved care for both mothers and babies?
Fetal imaging has transformed how we manage pregnancies. Advanced ultrasound, fetal MRI, and genetic testing allow us to detect abnormalities earlier and with greater accuracy. Techniques like doppler studies help us predict fetal distress, enabling timely interventions. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has significantly improved early screening for genetic conditions. These advancements allow us to offer more personalized care, reduce unnecessary interventions, and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
High-risk pregnancies can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. How do you and your team ensure that patients feel supported throughout the process?
High-risk pregnancies require more than just medical expertise; they require empathy, communication, and constant support. Our approach includes:
Personalized care plans: We tailor treatments based on each patient’s unique risk factors.
Multidisciplinary team support: Our fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, neonatologists, and mental health experts work together.
Emotional and psychological support: We provide counseling to help families cope with uncertainty.
24/7 accessibility: High-risk pregnancies don’t follow schedules, so we ensure that our patients can reach us whenever they need.
You have been at the forefront of fetal therapy and intrauterine interventions. Can you share why this field is so crucial and how it’s evolving?
Fetal therapy is revolutionizing how we care for unborn babies. Many conditions that were once untreatable before birth can now be managed with in-utero interventions. For example:
Fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) significantly improves survival rates for both babies.
Intrauterine blood transfusions for fetal anemia can save babies from severe complications.
Fetal shunting procedures help in cases of congenital lung and kidney abnormalities.
This field is evolving rapidly, and I believe in the next decade, we will see even more breakthroughs that will change the way we manage fetal conditions.
Your hospital, Umarji Mother & Child Care, follows a patient-centric approach. How does this philosophy shape your practice?
Our core principle is that patients deserve care that is not only medically excellent but also compassionate and accessible. This philosophy is reflected in:
Extended OPD hours to accommodate working parents.
A seamless referral system—patients don’t have to run from one hospital to another for specialized care.
Holistic care—we integrate fetal medicine, neonatal care, lactation support, and mental health counseling.
Transparency and shared decision-making—patients are actively involved in their treatment plans.
Looking ahead, what are the most exciting emerging trends or innovations in maternal and fetal healthcare that could significantly improve outcomes for women?
Some of the most promising advancements include:
Artificial Intelligence in fetal imaging—AI is improving the accuracy of anomaly detection.
Gene therapy and fetal medicine—We are moving toward treating certain genetic disorders before birth.
3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine—Research is exploring how fetal tissues can be repaired in-utero.
Improved neonatal care—Babies born as early as 22-24 weeks are surviving with better long-term outcomes thanks to advancements in NICU technology.
These innovations will redefine maternal-fetal care and improve the quality of life for countless families.
