Obstetrics/Maternity: 

High Risk Pregnancy Care

For expectant mothers, the prospect of having a baby is both a joyous and exciting one, and most pregnancies proceed smoothly. But for a number of reasons, some women need to be watched more closely during pregnancy. In this case, the woman’s obstetrician may suggest a consultation with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians, also called perinatologists, are obstetricians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of expectant mothers and their unborn babies, who may be at risk for special health problems.

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists at Saint John’s work hand-in-hand with each patient’s obstetrician to develop a plan of care tailored to the personal needs and medical history of each woman. Expectant women may see a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist several times throughout her pregnancy, while her obstetrician will continue to manage the pregnancy and will typically deliver the baby.

Services provided by Saint John’s perinatologists include maternal and fetal medical care, monitoring, ultrasound examinations, genetic counseling, diabetes education, state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, tests of fetal well-being and more. As the due date approaches, the perinatologist will remain in close contact with the patient’s obstetrician and, if needed, with the neonatologist who will oversee the baby’s care after birth.

Smooth teamwork and good communication between the perinatologist, obstetrician and neonatologist ensure both mother and baby receive the best possible care.

For a referral to a Saint John’s perinatologist, click here.