Expert Care for Pregnant Mothers with Existing Conditions
Expectant mothers with existing medical conditions require specialized care — both for mom and how the conditions affect their babies. University Hospitals maternal fetal medicine specialists work with a multidisciplinary team of adult and pediatric specialists to care for any condition.
Expert High-Risk Obstetrics Care
If you have a medical condition and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you and your baby may have an increased risk for pregnancy complications and therefore be considered a high risk pregnancy. Our doctors know that taking good care of your own health is the best way to ensure the well-being of your baby. Pregnancy in women with certain medical conditions can increase the risks of:
- Birth defects
- Low birth weight
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Stillbirth
Our team helps prevent complications when a woman is first considering pregnancy with preconception planning, and follows the mother and baby throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
Medical Conditions Need Specialized Care
If you have a medical condition and plan to become pregnant, seeing a maternal fetal specialist is a critical step toward a healthier pregnancy. University Hospitals’ multidisciplinary team of specialists manages medical conditions and complications in pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Many women need specialized care before and during pregnancy for a variety of medical conditions, such as:
- Adult congenital heart disease: Congenital heart disease carries a risk for all women, but for pregnant women with congenital heart disease, it poses an increased risk for both mother and baby. Depending on the exact cardiovascular defects, the level of risk can vary.
- Advanced Maternal Age: Becoming pregnant at age 35 or older can place both mom and baby at higher risk for complications.
- Diabetes: There is a strong relationship between diabetes, poor blood sugar control and issues with pregnancy – not only for women who have diabetes before becoming pregnant, but also for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
- High blood pressure: When a woman has pre-existing high blood pressure or develops high blood pressure before the 20th week of pregnancy, this is called chronic hypertension. Even if you have normal blood pressure prior to conception, you’re still at risk for high blood pressure during pregnancy, which increases the risk for preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, swelling of the face and hands, and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia is very serious and often requires an early delivery to protect both mom and baby. It can impact your nervous system function and lead to stroke, seizures and other health problems.
- Obesity: Obesity in pregnancy increases the risk of medical complications, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
University Hospitals maternal fetal medicine experts are experienced in caring for women with medical conditions that can complicate pregnancy. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 216-844-3545.