Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Care for High-Risk Pregnancies
Learning that your pregnancy may be high-risk can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. You need compassionate care and expertise to help you feel confident about your health and your baby’s. With CHRISTUS Health, you will receive the support, answers, and advanced care you need to navigate this journey with reassurance. Together, we’ll focus on keeping you and your baby as healthy as possible, every step of the way.
Reasons to See a Specialist
There are many reasons you may need to see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Whether you have an existing health condition, develop complications during pregnancy, or are carrying multiples, maternal-fetal medicine specialists provide advanced care to help keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
Here are common reasons your provider may refer you to a specialist:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High-risk pregnancies
- Diabetes
- Pregnant women over 35
- Abnormal alpha-fetoprotein blood test
- History of pre-term labor and delivery and/or miscarriage
- Premature rupture of membrane
- Potential fetal growth problems
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Services
When navigating a high-risk pregnancy, you need access to the best possible care and support. These services are designed to ensure you and your baby receive the most comprehensive care throughout your pregnancy journey, with access to expert teams and resources when you need them most.
If your baby requires more advanced care, neonatal transport services provide safe and timely transfers to hospitals equipped for complex situations, ensuring your baby receives the right care when needed.
If your baby is born early or needs specialized care, many locations offer Level II-Level IV NICUs with advanced technology and neonatal specialists to provide expert care and support.
Prenatal genetic counseling helps you understand your baby’s genetic risks and make informed decisions, offering support and guidance throughout your pregnancy.
Other Birth Defects and Conditions
During a high-risk pregnancy, there are various conditions that may require specialized care and attention. These conditions can impact the health of both the mother and baby, and early diagnosis and support are important for the best possible outcomes. Some of the conditions that may require more advanced care include: