Michael A Belfort, MBBCH, D.A. (SA), M.D., Ph.D.

Ernst W. Bertner Chair/Professor

Positions

Ernst W. Bertner Chair/Professor: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas, United States
OB/GYN Department Chair

Professor: Anesthesiology
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas, United States

Professor: Surgery
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas, United States

Obstetrician and Gynecologist-in-Chief: OB/GYN
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, Texas, United States
Obstetrician and Gynecologist-in-Chief for Texas Children's Pavilion for Women Hospital

Co-Director Perinatal Surgery Fellowship: OB/GYN
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas, United States

Addresses

Texas Children's Pavilion for Women (Clinic): 6651 Main Street
Suite F420
Houston, TX, 77030
United States
Phone: (832) 826-7500
obgyn@bcm.edu

Education

PhD from University Of Cape Town: 02/2001 - Cape Town, South Africa; Doctor of Philosophy

Fellowship at Baylor College Of Medicine: 06/1995 - Houston, Texas, United States; Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Residency at Baylor College Of Medicine: 06/1993 - Houston, Texas, United States; Obstetrics and Gynecology

PhD from University Of Cape Town: 01/1990 - Cape Town, South Africa

MD from University Of Cape Town: 01/1990 - Cape Town, South Africa

Residency at University of Cape Town Medical School: 06/1989 - Cape Town, South Africa; Obstetrics and Gynecology

Residency at University of Natal Medical School: 06/1986 - Natal, South Africa; Obstetrics and Gynecology

Residency at University of Witwatersrand Medical School: 06/1983 - Johannesburg, South Africa; Obstetrics and Gynecology

Internship at University of Witwatersrand: 12/1982 - Johannesburg, South Africa; Medicine/Surgery

MD from University Of Witwatersrand: 01/1981 - Johannesburg, South Africa

Certifications

Board Certification: (01/01/1998); American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Board Certification: (01/01/1996); American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Board Certification: (01/01/1993); South African Medical Council; Registered in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Anesthesiology

Board Certification: (01/01/1993); Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada

Board Certification: (01/01/1991); Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists London

Medical License: Texas State Medical Board

Medical License: Medical Board of California

Medical License: Georgia Composite Medical Board

Medical License: Illinois State Medical Board

Medical License: Utah State Medical Board

Websites

VIICTR Publications List

Selected Publications

Zamora IJ, Ethun CG, Evans LM, Olutoye OO, Ivey RT, Haeri S, Belfort MA, Lee TC, Cass DL. " Maternal morbidity and reproductive outcomes related to fetal surgery. " J. Pediatr. Surg.. 2013 May ; 48 (5) : 951-5.
Pubmed PMID: 23701766.
Ethun CG, Zamora IJ, Roth DR, Kale A, Cisek L, Belfort MA, Haeri S, Ruano R, Welty SE, Cassady CI, Olutoye OO, Cass DL. " Outcomes of fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction treated with vesicoamniotic shunt: A single-institution experience. " J. Pediatr. Surg.. 2013 May ; 48 (5) : 956-62.
Pubmed PMID: 23701767.
Belfort M, Van Veen T, White GL, Kofford S, Allred J, Postma I, Varner M. " Low maternal middle cerebral artery Doppler resistance indices can predict future development of pre-eclampsia. " Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Oct ; 40 (4) : 406-11.
Pubmed PMID: 22173946.
VAN Veen TR, Belfort MA, Kofford S. " Maternal heart rate patterns in the first and second stages of labor. " Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2012 May ; 91 (5) : 598-604.
Pubmed PMID: 22313165.
Belfort MA, White GL, Vermeulen FM. " Association of fetal cranial shape with shoulder dystocia. " Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Mar ; 39 (3) : 304-9.
Pubmed PMID: 21630363.
Shamshirsaz AA, Shamshirsaz AA, Nayeri UA, Bahtiyar MO, Belfort MA, Campbell WA. " Pseudoamniotic Band Syndrome: A rare complication of monochorionic triplets with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. " Prenat. Diagn.. 2012 Jan ; 32 (1) : 97-8.
Pubmed PMID: 22275306.
Hersh DR, Belfort MA, White GL. " A Case of Hyperemesis Gravidarum due to Gastric Cancer Masquerading as Preeclampsia. " AJP Rep. 2011 Dec ; 1 (2) : 69-72.
Pubmed PMID: 23705089.
Belfort MA. " Indicated preterm birth for placenta accreta. " Semin. Perinatol.. 2011 Oct ; 35 (5) : 252-6.
Pubmed PMID: 21962623.
Belfort MA, Dildy GA, Garrido J, White GL. " Intraluminal pressure in a uterine tamponade balloon is curvilinearly related to the volume of fluid infused. " Am J Perinatol. 2011 Sep ; 28 (8) : 659-66.
Pubmed PMID: 21500144.
Belfort MA, Zimmerman J, Schemmer G, Oldroyd R, Smilanich R, Pearce M. " Aortic compression and cross clamping in a case of placenta percreta and amniotic fluid embolism: a case report. " AJP Rep. 2011 Sep ; 1 (1) : 33-6.
Pubmed PMID: 23705082.
van Veen TR, Belfort MA, Zeeman GG. " The effect of low-dose oxytocin infusion on cerebral hemodynamics in pregnant women. " Am J Perinatol. 2011 Aug ; 28 (7) : 579-84.
Pubmed PMID: 21424987.
Belfort MA, Saade GR. " ST Segment Analysis as an Adjunct to Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Part I: Background, Physiology, and Interpretation. " Clin Perinatol. 2011 Mar ; 38 (1) : 143-57.
Pubmed PMID: 21353095.
Belfort MA, Saade GR. " ST Segment Analysis (STAN) as an Adjunct to Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Part II: Clinical Studies and Future Directions. " Clin Perinatol. 2011 Mar ; 38 (1) : 159-67.
Pubmed PMID: 21353096.
Clark SL, Frye DR, Meyers JA, Belfort MA, Dildy GA, Kofford S, Englebright J, Perlin JA. " Reduction in elective delivery at <39 weeks of gestation: comparative effectiveness of 3 approaches to change and the impact on neonatal intensive care admission and stillbirth. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2010 Nov ; 203 (5) : 449.e1-6.
Pubmed PMID: 20619388.
Placenta accreta. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2010 Nov ; 203 (5) : 430-9.
Pubmed PMID: 21055510.
Jadhav AR, Dildy GA, Belfort MA, Lacassie Y, Carey JC. " Mixoploidy: perinatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcome. " Am J Perinatol. 2010 Sep ; 27 (8) : 599-602.
Pubmed PMID: 20235000.
Clark SL, Belfort MA, Dildy GA, Englebright J, Meints L, Meyers JA, Frye DK, Perlin JA. " Emergency department use during the postpartum period: implications for current management of the puerperium. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2010 Jul ; 203 (1) : 38.e1-6.
Pubmed PMID: 20417492.
Belfort MA, Clark SL, Saade GR, Kleja K, Dildy GA, Van Veen TR, Akhigbe E, Frye DR, Meyers JA, Kofford S. " Hospital readmission after delivery: evidence for an increased incidence of nonurogenital infection in the immediate postpartum period. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2010 Jan ; 202 (1) : 35.e1-7.
Pubmed PMID: 19889389.
Jadhav AR, Belfort MA, Dildy GA. " Eikenella corrodens chorioamnionitis: modes of infection? " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2009 May ; 200 (5) : e4-5.
Pubmed PMID: 19114269.
Porreco RP, Clark SL, Belfort MA, Dildy GA, Meyers JA. " The changing specter of uterine rupture. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2009 Mar ; 200 (3) : 269.e1-4.
Pubmed PMID: 19136093.
Clark SL, Miller DD, Belfort MA, Dildy GA, Frye DK, Meyers JA. " Neonatal and maternal outcomes associated with elective term delivery. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2009 Feb ; 200 (2) : 156.e1-4.
Pubmed PMID: 19110225.
Clark SL, Belfort MA, Dildy GA, Meyers JA. " Reducing obstetric litigation through alterations in practice patterns. " Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Dec ; 112 (6) : 1279-83.
Pubmed PMID: 19037036.
Stafford I, Dildy GA, Clark SL, Belfort MA. " Visually estimated and calculated blood loss in vaginal and cesarean delivery. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2008 Nov ; 199 (5) : 519.e1-7.
Pubmed PMID: 18639209.
Dugoff L, Cuckle HS, Hobbins JC, Malone FD, Belfort MA, Nyberg DA, Comstock CH, Saade GR, Eddleman KA, Dar P, Craigo SD, Timor-Tritsch IE, Carr SR, Wolfe HM, D'Alton ME. " Prediction of patient-specific risk for fetal loss using maternal characteristics and first- and second-trimester maternal serum Down syndrome markers. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2008 Sep ; 199 (3) : 290.e1-6.
Pubmed PMID: 18771987.
Clark SL, Belfort MA, Byrum SL, Meyers JA, Perlin JB. " Improved outcomes, fewer cesarean deliveries, and reduced litigation: results of a new paradigm in patient safety. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2008 Aug ; 199 (2) : 105.e1-7.
Pubmed PMID: 18468573.
Clark SL, Belfort MA, Dildy GA, Herbst MA, Meyers JA, Hankins GD. " Maternal death in the 21st century: causes, prevention, and relationship to cesarean delivery. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2008 Jul ; 199 (1) : 36.e1-5; discus.
Pubmed PMID: 18455140.
Clark SL, Belfort MA, Hankins GD, Meyers JA, Houser FM. " Variation in the rates of operative delivery in the United States. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2007 Jun ; 196 (6) : 526.e1-5.
Pubmed PMID: 17547880.
Clark SL, Vines VL, Belfort MA. " Fetal injury associated with routine vacuum use during cesarean delivery. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2008 Apr ; 198 (4) : e4.
Pubmed PMID: 18295178.
Dildy GA, Belfort MA, Smulian JC. " Preeclampsia recurrence and prevention. " Semin. Perinatol.. 2007 Jun ; 31 (3) : 135-41.
Pubmed PMID: 17531895.
Belfort MA, Dildy GA, Saade GR, Suarez V, Clark SL. " Prediction of shoulder dystocia using multivariate analysis. " Am J Perinatol. 2007 Jan ; 24 (1) : 41404.
Pubmed PMID: 17195152.
Dildy GA, Scott JR, Saffer CS, Belfort MA. " An effective pressure pack for severe pelvic hemorrhage. " Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Nov ; 108 (5) : 1222-6.
Pubmed PMID: 17077246.
Belfort MA, Clark SL, Sibai B. " Cerebral hemodynamics in preeclampsia: cerebral perfusion and the rationale for an alternative to magnesium sulfate. " Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2006 Oct ; 61 (10) : 655-65.
Pubmed PMID: 16978425.
Hanania NA, Belfort MA. " Acute asthma in pregnancy. " Crit. Care Med.. 2005 Oct ; 33 (10) : S319-24.
Pubmed PMID: 16215354.
Moise KJ, Dorman K, Lamvu G, Saade GR, Fisk NM, Dickinson JE, Wilson RD, Gagnon A, Belfort MA, O'Shaughnessy RO, Chitkara U, Hassan SS, Johnson A, Sciscione A, Skupski D. " A randomized trial of amnioreduction versus septostomy in the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2005 Sep ; 193 (3) : 701-7.
Pubmed PMID: 16150263.
Riskin-Mashiah S, Belfort MA. " Preeclampsia is associated with global cerebral hemodynamic changes. " J. Soc. Gynecol. Investig.. 2005 May ; 12 (4) : 253-6.
Pubmed PMID: 15866116.
Belfort MA. " Is high cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral flow predictive of impending seizures in preeclampsia? A case report. " Hypertens Pregnancy. 2005 ; 24 (1) : 59-63.
Pubmed PMID: 16036391.
Belfort MA, Kennedy A, Rassner UA. " Novel techniques for cerebral evaluation in preeclampsia and eclampsia. " Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Jun ; 48 (2) : 387-405.
Pubmed PMID: 15805797.
Aagaard-Tillery KM, Belfort MA. " Eclampsia: morbidity, mortality, and management. " Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Mar ; 48 (1) : 41631.
Pubmed PMID: 15725853.
Harirah HM, Donia SE, Nasrallah FK, Saade GR, Belfort MA. " Effect of gestational age and position on peak expiratory flow rate: a longitudinal study. " Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Feb ; 105 (2) : 372-6.
Pubmed PMID: 15684167.
Riskin-Mashiah S, Belfort MA. " Cerebrovascular hemodynamics in chronic hypertensive pregnant women who later develop superimposed preeclampsia. " J. Soc. Gynecol. Investig.. 2005 Jan ; 12 (1) : 28-32.
Pubmed PMID: 15629667.
Belfort MA. " Shoulder dystocia and flying airplanes! " Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Oct ; 104 (4) : 658-60.
Pubmed PMID: 15458881.
Riskin-Mashiah S, Belfort MA. " Cerebrovascular hemodynamics in pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension. " Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Feb ; 103 (2) : 294-8.
Pubmed PMID: 14754698.
Riskin-Mashiah S, Belfort MA, Saade GR, Herd AJ. " Side-to-side differences in transcranial Doppler parameters in normotensive and preeclamptic pregnant women. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2004 Jan ; 190 (1) : 194-8.
Pubmed PMID: 14749659.
Frias AE, Belfort MA. " Post Magpie: how should we be managing severe preeclampsia? " Curr. Opin. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2003 Dec ; 15 (6) : 489-95.
Pubmed PMID: 14624215.
Goodrum LA, Saade GR, Belfort MA, Moise KJ, Jahoor F. " Arginine flux and nitric oxide production during human pregnancy and postpartum. " J. Soc. Gynecol. Investig.. 2003 Oct ; 10 (7) : 400-5.
Pubmed PMID: 14519480.
Laventhal NT, Dildy GA, Belfort MA. " Fetal tachyarrhythmia associated with vibroacoustic stimulation. " Obstet Gynecol. 2003 May ; 101 (5) : 1116-8.
Pubmed PMID: 12738121.
Belfort MA, Anthony J, Saade GR, Allen JC. " A comparison of magnesium sulfate and nimodipine for the prevention of eclampsia. " N. Engl. J. Med.. 2003 Jan 23; 348 (4) : 304-11.
Pubmed PMID: 12540643.
Suarez VR, Thompson LL, Jain V, Olson GL, Hankins GD, Belfort MA, Saade GR. " The effect of in utero exposure to indomethacin on the need for surgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in the neonate. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2002 Oct ; 187 (4) : 886-8.
Pubmed PMID: 12388970.
Belfort MA, Tooke-Miller C, Allen JC, Dizon-Townson D, Varner MA. " Labetalol decreases cerebral perfusion pressure without negatively affecting cerebral blood flow in hypertensive gravidas. " Hypertens Pregnancy. 2002 ; 21 (3) : 185-97.
Pubmed PMID: 12517326.
Riskin-Mashiah S, Belfort MA, Saade GR, Herd JA. " Transcranial doppler measurement of cerebral velocity indices as a predictor of preeclampsia. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2002 Dec ; 187 (6) : 1667-72.
Pubmed PMID: 12501081.
Belfort MA, Varner MW, Dizon-Townson DS, Grunewald C, Nisell H. " Cerebral perfusion pressure, and not cerebral blood flow, may be the critical determinant of intracranial injury in preeclampsia: a new hypothesis. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2002 Sep ; 187 (3) : 626-34.
Pubmed PMID: 12237639.
Belfort MA, Tooke-Miller C, Allen JC, Varner MA, Grunewald C, Nisell H, Herd JA. " Pregnant women with chronic hypertension and superimposed pre-eclampsia have high cerebral perfusion pressure. " BJOG. 2001 Nov ; 108 (11) : 1141-7.
Pubmed PMID: 11762652.
Riskin-Mashiah S, Belfort MA, Saade GR, Herd JA. " Cerebrovascular reactivity in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. " Obstet Gynecol. 2001 Nov ; 98 (5) : 827-32.
Pubmed PMID: 11704176.
Vedernikov YP, Belfort MA, Saade GR, Garfield RE. " Inhibition of cyclooxygenase but not nitric oxide synthase influences effects on the human omental artery of the thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619 and 17beta-estradiol. " Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 2001 Jul ; 185 (1) : 182-9.
Pubmed PMID: 11483926.
Belfort MA, Tooke-Miller C, Allen JC, Saade GR, Dildy GA, Grunewald C, Nisell H, Herd JA. " Changes in flow velocity, resistance indices, and cerebral perfusion pressure in the maternal middle cerebral artery distribution during normal pregnancy. " Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2001 Feb ; 80 (2) : 104-12.
Pubmed PMID: 11167203.
Branch DW, Porter TF, Paidas MJ, Belfort MA, Gonik B. " Obstetric uses of intravenous immunoglobulin: successes, failures, and promises. " J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.. 2001 Oct ; 108 (4) : S133-8.
Pubmed PMID: 11586281.
Belfort MA. " Scoring systems for eclampsia. " Crit. Care Med.. 2000 Jan ; 28 (1) : 272-3.
Pubmed PMID: 10667547.
Belfort MA, Tooke-Miller C, Varner M, Saade G, Grunewald C, Nisell H, Herd JA. " Evaluation of a noninvasive transcranial Doppler and blood pressure-based method for the assessment of cerebral perfusion pressure in pregnant women. " Hypertens Pregnancy. 2000 ; 19 (3) : 331-40.
Pubmed PMID: 11118407.
Belfort MA. " Doppler assessment of retinal blood flow velocity during parenteral magnesium treatment in patients with preeclampsia. " Magnes Res. 1993 Sep ; 6 (3) : 239-46.
Pubmed PMID: 8292497.
Saade GR, Belfort MA, Berry DL, Bui TH, Montgomery LD, Johnson A, O'Day M, Olson GL, Lindholm H, Garoff L, Moise KJ. " Amniotic septostomy for the treatment of twin oligohydramnios-polyhydramnios sequence. " Fetal. Diagn. Ther.. ; 13 (2) : 86-93.
Pubmed PMID: 9650653.
Giannina G, Smith D, Belfort MA, Moise KJ. " Atraumatic subdural hematoma associated with pre-eclampsia. " J Matern Fetal Med. ; 6 (2) : 93-5.
Pubmed PMID: 9086423.
Porter H, Lookinland S, Belfort MA. " Evaluation of a new real-time blood continuous glucose monitoring system in pregnant women without gestational diabetes. A pilot study. " J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. ; 18 (2) : 93-102.
Pubmed PMID: 15214248.
Montgomery LD, Belfort MA, Saade GR, Baker BW, Pokorny W, Minifee P, Langston C, Jevon G, Van den Veyver I, Robie D. " Iatrogenic gastroschisis decreases pulmonary hypoplasia in an ovine congenital diaphragmatic hernia model. " Fetal. Diagn. Ther.. ; 10 (2) : 119-26.
Pubmed PMID: 7794512.
Goodrum LA, Moise KJ, Saade GR, Belfort MA, Ayres NA, Carpenter RJ. " Effects of intravascular transfusion for red cell alloimmunization on fetal arterial blood pressure. " Fetal. Diagn. Ther.. ; 12 (3) : 149-52.
Pubmed PMID: 9313072.
Saade GR, Moise KJ, Belfort MA, Hesketh DE, Carpenter RJ. " Fetal and neonatal hematologic parameters in red cell alloimmunization: predicting the need for late neonatal transfusions. " Fetal. Diagn. Ther.. ; 8 (3) : 161-4.
Pubmed PMID: 8240686.
Kafkasli A, Belfort MA, Giannina G, Vedërnikov YP, Schaffner DL, Popek EJ. " Histopathologic effects of meconium on human umbilical artery and vein: in vitro study. " J Matern Fetal Med. ; 6 (6) : 356-61.
Pubmed PMID: 9438220.
Berry DL, Olson GL, Wen TS, Belfort MA, Moise KJ. " Candida chorioamnionitis: a report of two cases. " J Matern Fetal Med. ; 6 (3) : 151-4.
Pubmed PMID: 9172056.
Donepudi R, Espinoza J, Nassr AA, Belfort MA, Shamshirsaz AA, Sanz Cortes M. " Prediction of fetal death in selective growth restriction complicating twin-twin transfusion syndrome using standardized definitions " Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Oct 19;
Pubmed PMID: 33073885.
Fisher JE, Tolcher MC, Shamshirsaz AA, Espinoza J, Sanz Cortes M, Donepudi R, Belfort MA, Nassr AA. " Accuracy of Ultrasound to Predict Neonatal Birth Weight Among Fetuses With Gastroschisis: Impact on Timing of Delivery " J Ultrasound Med. 2020 Oct 1;
Pubmed PMID: 33002208.
Corroenne R, Yepez M, Pyarali M, Johnson RM, Whitehead WE, Castillo HA, Castillo J, Mehollin-Ray AR, Espinoza J, Shamshirsaz AA, Nassr AA, Belfort MA, Sanz Cortes M. " Prenatal predictors of motor function in children with open spina bifida: a retrospective cohort study " BJOG. 2020 Sep 25;
Pubmed PMID: 32975898.
Espinoza J, Belfort MA, Shamshirsaz AA, Nassr AA, Sanz-Cortez M, Donepudi R, Espinoza AF, Ostovar-Kermani TG, Johnson R, Harman C, Turan O. " Early Laser Surgery is not associated with very Preterm Delivery or Reduced Neonatal Survival in TTTS " Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Aug 30;
Pubmed PMID: 32864786.
Nassr AA, Shamshirsaz AA, Belfort MA. " Circumferential amniotic band around the lower fetal abdomen associated with complete spontaneous chorioamniotic separation " Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Aug 14;
Pubmed PMID: 32798460.
Mustafa HJ, Khalil A, Johnson S, Gordijn SJ, Ganzevoort W, Melling C, Koh CJ, Mandy GT, Kilby MD, Johnson A, Quintero RA, Ryan G, Shamshirsaz AA, Nassr A; LUTO Working Group.. " Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction: international Delphi consensus on management and core outcomes set " Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2024 May 15;
Pubmed PMID: 38748971.