The internationally recognized maternal-fetal medicine specialists at UT Physicians provide advanced care and management for women who are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. We understand and are familiar with the anxiety women with underlying medical conditions face while pregnant.
Our team of specialists is committed to providing expecting mothers with prenatal care, a healthy labor and delivery, and postpartum care. We work closely and collaborate with your primary OB-GYN to provide the most comprehensive, expert care. You’ll receive a full spectrum of services, including prenatal testing, genetic counseling, diagnostic imaging, and specialized maternal-fetal care.
What is a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist?
A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist, also known as a perinatologist, is an OB-GYN who has undergone specialized training in caring for high-risk pregnancies. MFM specialists can perform complex medical and surgical procedures, diagnose certain fetal conditions, and successfully manage complex maternal and fetal diagnoses in pregnancy.
What is considered a high-risk pregnancy?
A pregnancy is considered high-risk if there is any extra care or attention needed to ensure a successful, safe delivery. This could be a preexisting condition in the mother, a condition developed during pregnancy, a fetal abnormality, or even multiple gestation pregnancies.
Common maternal conditions that lead to a high-risk pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (or hypertension)
- Cancer
- Endocrine disorders
- Hematology disorders
- Kidney disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Thyroid disease
- Seizures
Common fetal abnormalities that lead to a high-risk pregnancy
- Down syndrome
- Cystic fibrosis
- Sickle cell disease
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Edwards syndrome
- Neural tube defects (such as spina bifida or anencephaly)
- Disorders affecting sex chromosomes (X and Y)
- Turner syndrome
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Triple X syndrome
- XYY syndrome
Conditions that can develop during pregnancy and lead to a high-risk pregnancy
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Placenta previa
- Placental abruption
- Rh incompatibility
- High blood pressure
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Placenta accreta
Other factors that can contribute to a high-risk pregnancy
- Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, or more)
- Advanced maternal age
- Previous miscarriages or stillbirths
- History of pregnancy complications (preterm labor, short cervix, etc.)
Services offered at UT Physicians Maternal-Fetal Medicine Centers:
- Prenatal testing
- Genetic testing and counseling
- NIPT
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- Blood tests
- Diagnostic imaging
- Fetal anatomy ultrasounds
- Fetal echocardiography
- 3D ultrasound
- Fetal MRI
- Specialized programs
- Placenta Accreta Program
- UTHealth Houston Fetal Center
- Urogynecology Program
- Gynecologic Oncology Program
- Comprehensive care
- Counseling for mothers and their families
- Prenatal care
- Postpartum care
