Maternal Fetal Medicine (High-risk Pregnancy)

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:

• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania Hospital

See also:

• Neonatology at Penn
• Prenatal warning signs
• Special Care Pregnancies
• Article: Prenatal Warning Signs You Need to Know

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.