More women are experiencing high risk pregnancies due to factors such as diabetes, unhealthy weight, hypertension and pregnancy at an advanced age. These health conditions have led to an alarming rise in preterm births and maternal mortality rates over the last decade.
If you are experiencing a high risk pregnancy, Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists offers a higher level of support and expertise. Our fellowship trained perinatologists become part of your maternity care team along with your OB provider to co-manage and monitor you and baby throughout your maternity journey.
What makes a pregnancy high risk?
Pregnancy can be considered high risk based on a number of factors. Some are influenced by lifestyle and others are outside your control. Factors can include:
- Mom has hypertension, also known as high blood pressure
- Unhealthy weight, such as BMI greater than 40
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Previous preterm birth
- Carrying multiple gestations
- Access to reproductive health care
- Mom has had a previous bariatric surgery
- Pregnancy at age 35 or older, also referred to advanced maternal age
- Mom has history of pregnancy complications
- Mom has chronic condition, such as a heart issue
- Pre-existing medical conditions that can complicate pregnancy
If a maternal or fetal indication is discovered during your routine OB care you will be referred to Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists.
- Ultrasound showed a fetal anomaly
- Ultrasound showed a maternal indication, such as a placenta or umbilical anomaly
- Gestational diabetes detected (early onset detection allows for treatment earlier, the earlier the better, keeping baby small enough to deliver naturally)
- The fetal genetic screening showed an anomaly
How to be seen at Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists
Your OB provider will determine if you are experiencing a high risk pregnancy and refer you to Riverside Maternal Medicine. Your maternity care will be co-managed by both your OB provider and your maternal fetal medicine perinatologist.
Your care will be coordinated and individualized for your and your baby’s needs.
Additional Supportive Services at Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists
Diagnostic Testing
Our sonographers are specially trained in maternal fetal medicine, fetal heart echo, and to look closer at an anomaly in mom and baby.
Nutritional education for pre-existing diabetes or newly diagnosed gestational diabetes
Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists has a certified diabetes educator (CDE). The CDE will help you develop a nutrition plan that will support a healthy pregnancy. They can also support post-bariatric surgery patients with nutritional needs during their pregnancy.
Genetic Testing and Counseling
Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists offers genetic counseling should you have had an abnormal genetic prenatal test result. Moms or dads with a personal history of genetic disorders, such as Downs Syndrome, would also benefit from genetic counseling.
Preconception Counseling
Preconception counseling is available if you are facing issues with infertility or if your personal medical history places you at high risk pregnancy, and you are looking for ways to lower and manage your risk.
If needed, you have access to Antepartum and NICU Services at Riverside
Some women with high risk pregnancies may need to stay in the hospital before delivery with a stay in our Antepartum unit. The supportive, specialized care of our antepartum units, located at both Riverside Regional Medical Center and Riverside Short Memorial’s Labor and Delivery floor provides around the clock comprehensive care and is co-managed by our OB providers and Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists providers.
If your baby requires a higher level of care at delivery, Riverside Regional Medical Center offers the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the Peninsula. Learn more about our Level III NICU.