Maternal Fetal Medicine

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists provide comprehensive care for women with more complicated pregnancies. They will work closely with your obstetrics provider and hospital staff to ensure you receive the best and most appropriate care for your specific medical needs throughout pregnancy and delivery. 

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

High-risk pregnancies are pregnancies in which specific medical conditions, diseases or even personal or lifestyle factors place the mother, baby or both at a higher risk for complications during pregnancy or delivery. Some of the conditions that could indicate a high-risk pregnancy include:

• Gestational diabetes
• Hypertension of pregnancy
• Substance use disorder
• Older maternal age
• Previous miscarriages
• Being pregnant with multiples
• Obesity
• Genetic conditions
• Pre-existing diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes
• Women who have had a high-risk pregnancy in the past

How often should I see a doctor if I have a high-risk pregnancy?

Most women with complicated pregnancies will need to see the doctor more frequently for prenatal exams, testing and monitoring. Your office visit schedule will be based on you and your baby's needs, and will be developed once your initial exam takes place.

How can I tell if I have a high-risk pregnancy?

Seeing a doctor as soon as you determine you're pregnant and continuing to see the doctor for all scheduled prenatal exams is the best way to identify issues that could indicate you or your baby may be facing potential complications during pregnancy or delivery.

Some conditions that contribute to high-risk pregnancies develop during pregnancy and may not appear during the initial exam, which makes regular office visits especially important. During each exam, evaluations like blood tests, urinalysis, ultrasounds and other important assessments will be made to monitor your health and your baby's health and development. Based on those results as well as your personal and family medical histories, the doctor will be able to determine if your pregnancy should be considered high-risk.

Does having a high-risk pregnancy mean I'll need a cesarean section?

No, many women with high-risk pregnancies are able to deliver vaginally. The decision to have a cesarean section (c-section), typically will be made once you're close to your delivery date.