Maternal-Fetal Medicine (High-Risk Pregnancy)

UMass Memorial Health is the only program in the region where you’ll find perinatologists, doctors with advanced training in high-risk obstetrical care. We are with you throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum providing personalized services that protect you and your growing baby. Our depth of experience helps more people experience positive birth outcomes.

Perinatologists are part of our nationally recognized pregnancy and childbirth program. Services supporting more complex cases are easily accessible at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions We Care For

We excel in monitoring, treating and developing specialized birth plans for people with high-risk pregnancies.

Our services may be right for you if you have: 
•    Two, three, or more babies (multiple pregnancy)
•    Pregnancy that’s not progressing as expected
•    History of preterm labor or premature birth
•    History of complications with a previous pregnancy
•    Known or suspected fetal concern affecting the heart, lungs, brain or digestive system
•    Complex maternal medical condition

What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy occurs when there are circumstances or a medical condition that increase the likelihood of complications. These complications may impact you, your baby or both of you. They may also occur during the pregnancy or after your baby’s birth.

Factors That Contribute to High-Risk Pregnancy

You are more likely to face a high-risk pregnancy if you: 
•    Are over 35 years old
•    Have a chronic or complex medical condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart or kidney disease, or an autoimmune disorder
•    Develop diabetes during your pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
•    Have a family history of genetic concerns, like congenital (present at birth) heart disease or Down syndrome bleeding or clotting disorders.

Team Approach to High-Risk Pregnancies

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists lead a team delivering attentive care that keeps you and your baby as safe as possible. We are in regular contact with you and each other to coordinate necessary tests and support.

The team also includes: 
•    Nurse practitioners
•    Specialty nurses
•    Dieticians
•    Genetic counselors
•    Social workers
•    Ultrasound technicians

Our Maternal-Fetal Medicine Services

Perinatologists closely manage every aspect of your pregnancy and baby’s delivery. These efforts enable us to provide timely services that meet the changing needs of you and your baby. Services typically involve frequent prenatal care assessments. We also make necessary arrangements to ensure a safe, family-centered childbirth.

Areas of expertise include:

Fetal Ultrasound

Fetal ultrasound scans are an essential part of monitoring your baby’s development. You receive services on-site from highly skilled ultrasound technicians whose scans lead to precise imaging. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists interpret the results and explain what they mean for your pregnancy, baby and delivery.

Specialized Pregnancy Care Services

UMass Memorial is home to programs that deliver evidence-based care for common yet challenging concerns. You have access to focused services for pregnant people with diabetes, substance use disorder and heart disease. We also offer genetic testing and counseling. Get more information about specialized pregnancy care.

Coordinated Fetal and Newborn Care

If there is a known or suspected issue with your baby’s health, we collaborate with pediatric experts from UMass Memorial Medical Center — Children's Medical Center. These efforts take place early in your pregnancy through our fetal specialty clinic. Perinatologists and pediatric specialists perform ongoing monitoring and carefully plan the next steps of care.

Coordination With Adult Specialists

If you have an existing medical issue, changes to your body during pregnancy have the potential to make it worse. Perinatologists work with other UMass Memorial specialists you may be seeing to coordinate your care. These conversations help us adapt prenatal care and delivery services to lower the risk of complications.

Timely Access to Critical Care Services

In rare instances, a high-risk pregnancy results in severe complications during or shortly after childbirth. UMass Memorial is one of the few programs in the region capable of responding to these emergencies at a moment’s notice. Experts from our adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) work quickly to assess and treat issues using the latest techniques.