When you’re diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. Our team will be by your side guiding you every step of the way.

If you have an existing health condition or develop complications during pregnancy, you’ll be in good hands with our maternal fetal medicine team. We provide specialized care to expectant mothers and their babies who need an added level of expertise during pregnancy.

Warmly welcomes the user and introduces the program. We offer everything from diagnostic testing and support to advanced treatments and procedures to meet all your and your baby’s needs.

Our Approach to Maternal Fetal Medicine

We know learning you have a high-risk pregnancy can bring a lot of uncertainty, but with the right care and support, you and your baby can have a safe pregnancy and positive birthing experience. 

Our maternal fetal medicine specialists will help you manage a wide range of conditions that may affect your pregnancy, such as diabetes, heart disease or seizures. 

We also offer the most advanced care possible if your unborn baby has any health complications. Our Fetal Intervention Center specialists are highly experienced in treating complex fetal conditions like twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, spina bifida and more.

Personalized High-Risk Pregnancy Care

We’ll work with you to develop a tailored care plan and put together a dedicated team of specialists for all your needs and preferences. For example, your care team may include cardiologists, endocrinologists and others, as needed. 

Depending on your or your baby’s specific condition, your maternal fetal medicine specialist may be your primary physician during your pregnancy, or we may co-manage your care with your OB/GYN or primary care physician.

Maternal Conditions We Treat

• Anemias
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Coagulation
• Endocrine (thyroid and diabetes)
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Neurologic, including seizures
• Pulmonary (lung) conditions
• Preeclampsia Renal (kidney) conditions, including chronic kidney disease
• Rheumatologic conditions (e.g., lupus)

Fetal Conditions We Treat

• Anomalies
• Growth abnormalities (e.g., growth restriction, macrosomia)
• Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, higher order)
• Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
• Skeletal dysplasia Spina bifida

Maternal Fetal Medicine Tests and Treatments

• 3D/4D ultrasound: Your technician will take multiple images using ultrasound waves, giving your care team a clear picture of your growing baby.
• Amniocentesis: Our team will take a sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus (using a hollow needle) to test for various conditions.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Your technician will take a sample of cells (called chorionic villi) from the placenta to test for various conditions.
• Fetal echocardiography: Our specialists use soundwaves that “echo” off your baby’s heart to evaluate how the heart is working and its structure.
• Fetal monitoring: Your care team will check your baby’s heart rate at all your appointments. During labor, we use fetal monitoring to monitor your baby and measure the progression of your contractions.
• Genetic (Level II) ultrasound: These images offer a detailed view of your baby’s anatomy and development.
• Nuchal translucency: Our team will check the thickness of fluid build-up at the back of your baby’s neck. We use this imaging to screen for Down’s syndrome, trisomy 18 and heart conditions.
• Ultrasound color flow Doppler: Your care team will use this test to assess blood flow through your baby’s arms, legs, neck and other areas.

Why Choose MU Health Care for Maternal Fetal Medicine

Coordinated Care for Pregnancy and Heart Health
If you have a heart condition, you may have a higher risk for complications during pregnancy. At MU Health Care, you’ll have access to our cardio-obstetric clinic. There, you’ll see our maternal fetal medicine providers and a cardiologist at the same appointment. Together, they’ll ensure you get the specialized care you and your baby need at every stage of your pregnancy.

Specialized Fetal Care
When your baby has a health issue when you’re pregnant, your doctor may refer you to our Fetal Intervention Center. Our fetal care specialists will determine the root of your baby’s condition and will work with you on a treatment plan. They will guide you through your pregnancy and help plan your baby’s care after delivery. 

High-Risk Pregnancy Care Close to Home
As the leading academic health system in Missouri, MU Health Care provides high-risk pregnancy care to women throughout the state. If you live outside Columbia, our maternal fetal medicine specialists may coordinate your care with your primary care provider. Our goal is to help you get the highest quality pregnancy care close to your home whenever possible.