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Pregnant Woman Consulting Doctor in Medical Clinic for Prenatal Checkup

Why choose Geisinger for high-risk pregnancy care?

A high-risk pregnancy is when you or your baby face challenges or have conditions that increase your chance for complications.

A maternal-fetal medicine specialist or perinatologist — an OB-GYN with additional training in managing high-risk pregnancies — will monitor you closely to help you and your baby stay healthy. From your first consultation through delivery, we'll monitor your pregnancy closely and adjust your care plan as needed. That might mean more frequent ultrasounds, genetic screening, fetal diagnostic testing or even counseling and emotional support.

At Geisinger, your maternal-fetal medicine team works alongside obstetrics and medical providers as well as pediatricians to make sure you and your baby have the resources you need for a great start. We’re in this with you.

With locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, your care is never far from home.

Treatments and services we offer

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FAQs

What does a maternal-fetal medicine doctor do?

A maternal-fetal medicine doctor, or perinatologist, helps manage any conditions that increase your chances of having a challenging pregnancy, including:

  • Medical conditions before or during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure; diabetes; lung, kidney or heart problems; obesity; or issues with a previous pregnancy
  • Medical conditions that develop during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes
  • Other pregnancy-related issues, including:
    • Premature labor
    • Carrying multiples (twins or triplets)
    • Placenta previa
    • Fetal development issues
  • Your age – if you’re under 17 or over 35
  • Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, taking illegal or unprescribed drugs and drinking alcohol while pregnant.

What should I expect when I see a maternal-fetal medicine doctor?

Generally, you can expect the following when you visit our clinic:

  • Initial consultation: Your relationship with our team will often begin with an in-person or virtual consultation to review your medical and pregnancy history as well as any complications in your current pregnancy.
  • Ultrasound: After the consultation, your doctor will most likely order an ultrasound, often called a fetal anatomy ultrasound or Level II ultrasound. This is to check on your baby’s development. Your doctor will share the results with you at the appointment.
    • If your baby is at high risk for low birth weight or other complications, we may recommend regular ultrasounds to keep track of your baby’s growth and development. Your maternal-fetal medicine physician will review your ultrasound results and send a report to your doctor. If there are any changes to your care plan or new findings, we’ll review them with you during your visit to our clinic.
  • Genetic counseling: Your team may also schedule you with a genetic counselor to review test results, discuss family history or talk about any genetic concerns related to your pregnancy.

What precautions do I need to take with a high-risk pregnancy?

Your obstetrician and maternal-fetal medicine specialist will give you guidance. In general, going to all your prenatal appointments, following your care team's recommendations and reaching out if something feels off are the best things you can do.

What is fetal diagnostic testing?

Two of the most common fetal diagnostic tests are chorionic villus testing and amniocentesis. These tests are performed by inserting a thin needle into your abdomen to remove cells for testing.

What do genetic counselors do?

Genetic counselors can help you understand genetic testing options and manage test results from genetic screening. Learn more about genetic testing during pregnancy.

What is ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a test to check on your baby’s growth and development. During the test, safe, high-frequency sound waves produce images of your baby that can help your doctor detect if your baby is developing normally. 

In some cases, your doctor may also perform a fetal echocardiogram during the second trimester so they can see a detailed picture of your baby’s heart and its structure and function.

What is the Center for Prenatal Pediatrics?

Geisinger’s Center for Prenatal Pediatrics cares for you and your baby before, during and after delivery if you’re at risk for complications. Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists collaborate with neonatologists and other pediatric specialists to create a care plan for your family. Learn more about the center.

High-risk pregnancy care at Geisinger

You and your baby deserve the best possible start. And we’re here to help, with:

  • A specialized care team: Your care team includes maternal-fetal medicine specialists, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors and other support staff — all working together for you and your baby. From ultrasounds to genetic screening and fetal diagnostic testing, you'll get the level of monitoring your pregnancy needs.
  • Newborn care when you need it: From advice on skin-to-skin bonding to nutritional support, we're ready to help the moment your baby arrives.
  • Support beyond the physical: Whether you need mental health or emotional support, breastfeeding help or substance use resources, you'll have access to whatever you need throughout your pregnancy.
  • Nationally accredited NICUs: If your baby requires a higher level of care, they’ll get it in our NICU, where neonatologists, neonatal advanced practitioners, neonatal nurses and respiratory therapists work 24/7 to care for your baby.