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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Maternal-fetal medicine diagnostics and treatment services we offer

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You will have access to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist who offers technology and testing for high-risk pregnancies, including:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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