Keeping you and your baby healthy is our top priority
Pregnancy is a time of life filled with excitement. But if you hear the words “high-risk” about you and your baby, pregnancy can also be a time of great anxiety. Baylor Scott & White’s maternal-fetal medicine specialists are here to put your mind at ease. These dedicated experts have the training, experience and resources to guide you through your high-risk pregnancy and the critical time following delivery.
Our approach to high-risk pregnancy care
Baylor Scott & White maternal-fetal medicine physicians are obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) specializing in high-risk pregnancy care. Throughout your pregnancy, your specialist will work with your OBGYN and other healthcare professionals to address your and your baby’s needs.
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Personalized care
Your team will create a plan that is tailored specifically to you. Whether addressing a preexisting condition, a lifestyle habit such as smoking, or ongoing monitoring for high blood pressure, your team will ensure that the right treatments and support resources are in place to meet your specific needs.
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Focusing on your baby’s arrival
During a screening or test, your team may identify a genetic abnormality or health concern in your baby. If that happens, your team can work with the neonatologists and other providers in our neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to help you prepare for your baby’s arrival.
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Helping you conceive
High-risk pregnancy care can begin well before you get pregnant. If you had a previous high-risk pregnancy or wish to become pregnant and have factors that may put you at high risk, our team will identify treatments or lifestyle changes that can help you prepare for a new baby. Should you need help conceiving, you can take comfort in knowing that you have access to Baylor Scott & White’s comprehensive infertility care, giving you hope and optimism for your journey to motherhood.
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A network of care and support
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists work closely with your labor and delivery team to ensure you have the care you need when your baby arrives.
Maternal-fetal medicine conditions we treat
You may need care from a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
Your pregnancy is considered high risk if you are over age 35 or younger than age 17, are having multiples (such as twins) or have a condition or risk factor that could cause complications during your pregnancy or labor and delivery. These conditions and risk factors require timely, specialized care to protect your health and the health of your baby.
Pre-existing health conditions
Pregnancy can be hard on your body. If you have a health condition affecting the heart, lungs or kidneys, thyroid problems, a blood disorder, an autoimmune disease, or are obese, your specialist can help you manage the condition to protect your and your baby’s health.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and often goes away soon after delivery. Your specialist can diagnose and treat this condition to minimize its impact on you and your baby.
High blood pressure
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist can identify and treat high blood pressure that exists before pregnancy, as well as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, which are serious types of high blood pressure that develop during pregnancy.
Fetal health concerns
During your pregnancy, your OBGYN or specialist may detect a birth defect, chromosomal abnormality, inherited disease or other health concern that will require prenatal care or care after birth. Your specialist can coordinate with a neonatologist to ensure your baby’s needs are addressed at the appropriate time.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Having PCOS increases your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and preterm birth and requires expert care from a specialist during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy loss
Underlying health conditions can cause miscarriages. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist can determine whether that’s the case and help you find the treatment you need to carry a pregnancy to term.
Maternal-fetal medicine diagnostics and treatment services we offer
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3D sonograms
3D sonograms
3D sonograms use ultrasound imaging to produce detailed images of your baby in the womb. By examining the sonograms, providers can learn important details, such as how your baby develops and whether complications are present.
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Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis
To perform this prenatal test, your specialist uses a needle and ultrasound imaging to carefully remove a sample of amniotic fluid from your uterus. Your doctor can then study this fluid to learn whether your baby has a genetic abnormality associated with Down syndrome, spina bifida or another condition.
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Chorionic villus sampling
Chorionic villus sampling
By taking a sample of tissue from your placenta, your doctor can test for genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities your baby may have. This prenatal test is typically performed between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy.
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Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
During this prenatal test, your provider uses guided ultrasound to insert a small needle into a blood vessel in the umbilical cord. The blood collected during this prenatal test, also known as cordocentesis, can help diagnose fetal abnormalities.
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Genetic counseling
Genetic counseling
If your maternal-fetal medicine specialist detects a genetic abnormality before birth, they can refer you for genetic counseling. Prenatal genetic counselors can provide guidance about what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and after the baby is born.
Our counselors work closely with parents to provide insight into how to manage different genetic conditions and birth defects, providing details about risks and how to prepare.
3D sonograms
3D sonograms use ultrasound imaging to produce detailed images of your baby in the womb. By examining the sonograms, providers can learn important details, such as how your baby develops and whether complications are present.
Amniocentesis
To perform this prenatal test, your specialist uses a needle and ultrasound imaging to carefully remove a sample of amniotic fluid from your uterus. Your doctor can then study this fluid to learn whether your baby has a genetic abnormality associated with Down syndrome, spina bifida or another condition.
Chorionic villus sampling
By taking a sample of tissue from your placenta, your doctor can test for genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities your baby may have. This prenatal test is typically performed between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy.
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
During this prenatal test, your provider uses guided ultrasound to insert a small needle into a blood vessel in the umbilical cord. The blood collected during this prenatal test, also known as cordocentesis, can help diagnose fetal abnormalities.
Genetic counseling
If your maternal-fetal medicine specialist detects a genetic abnormality before birth, they can refer you for genetic counseling. Prenatal genetic counselors can provide guidance about what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and after the baby is born.
Our counselors work closely with parents to provide insight into how to manage different genetic conditions and birth defects, providing details about risks and how to prepare.
Find a maternal-fetal medicine location near you
Baylor Scott & White locations throughout North and Central Texas offer specialized, high-risk pregnancy care. If necessary, your OBGYN will refer you to one of our maternal-fetal medicine specialists, but no matter which location you choose, you’ll have access to services throughout our system.