Maternal-Fetal Medicine (High-Risk Pregnancy)

Often, pregnancies have little or no complications. But if you or your baby are considered high-risk, you'll get expert care from our multidisciplinary team of maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

You might be considered high-risk as the result of a medical condition you had before you become pregnant. Or your pregnancy can become high-risk if a medical condition develops during your pregnancy for either you or your baby.

Complications that lead to a high-risk pregnancy include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Diabetes.
• Rh disease.
• Multiple gestation, including twins or higher multiples.
• Platelet and blood disorders, including thrombocytopenia, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia.
• Recurrent pregnancy loss, including incompetent cervix.
• Fetal abnormalities, including growth disorders, inherited disease, and structural malformations.
• Abnormal bleeding.
• Cardiac problems.
• Trauma.

The Risk of Preterm Labor

Some of these complications can lead to preterm labor. Learn the signs of preterm labor, and talk to your obstetrician if you have concerns.

Download this brochure to learn more about preterm labor

Care for High-Risk Pregnancies

Care begins with evaluation and consultation to identify risks and potential treatment options. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus samples, and umbilical cord blood samples may be performed. When appropriate, these services are also available:

• 3D/4D ultrasound.
• Genetic diagnosis and ultrasound.
• Fetal therapy.
• Prevention and management of prematurity.
• Transportation of high-risk maternity patients and newborns via helicopter equipped with mobile ICUs.
• Pregnancy loss evaluation and treatment.
• Perinatal hospice program.

Your Care Team

Your care is co-managed by our board-certified maternal-fetal medicine physicians along with your OB-GYN and our multidisciplinary team. This team includes:

• Maternal-fetal medicine specialized nurses.
• Genetic counselors.
• Certified diabetic educators.
• Dietitians and nutritionists.

You'll also have access to:

• Certified nurse midwives.
• A perinatal social worker.
• Neonatologists.
• Lactation consultants.
• Respiratory therapists.
• Parent instructors.