A general obstetrician can care for most pregnancies. However, sometimes having a baby is more complicated than usual. A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there are potential complications that could affect the mother, the baby or both. These complications could exist prior to pregnancy or could arise during pregnancy and include:
- Heart disease
- Cervical insufficiency
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or preeclampsia (toxemia)
- Placental problems
- Multiple gestation pregnancies (twins, triplets or more)
- Diabetes or other endocrine disorders
- Infectious diseases
- Kidney or gastrointestinal disease
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Recurrent pre-term labor and delivery
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Congenital abnormalities (birth defects)
- Later age pregnancy
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is an ob/gyn who has received additional education (a fellowship) and can evaluate, diagnose and monitor high-risk pregnancies. Penn maternal fetal medicine obstetricians specialize in making a high-risk situation less stressful for you, your baby and your family. Whether your risk is during the term of your pregnancy, during labor and delivery, or during the post-partum period, our specialists care for the unique needs of your growing family.
Learn more about maternal fetal medicine services at: