The Penn State Health Approach to High-Risk Pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy occurs when you, your fetus or both have health challenges that increase the likelihood of complications before, during or immediately following birth. Many of the issues that increase your risk are associated with preexisting conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes – even if the condition is well-controlled. Others, like infection or injury, occur during pregnancy or delivery. Multiple births may also classify your pregnancy as high-risk.

Although a high-risk pregnancy may require specialized care or treatment, it does not mean that problems are inevitable.

Providing the Highest Level of Expertise to High-Risk Obstetrical Patients

A high-risk pregnancy requires personalized care based on your specific risk factors and the overall health of you and your baby.

Maternal Fetal Medicine at Penn State Health has been providing high-risk pregnancy resources for more than 30 years. Our experts offer preconception consults and second opinions for complicated pregnancies. Our perinatal program provides multidisciplinary care with access to other specialists to develop a comprehensive plan that takes you through pregnancy and delivery with the best results possible.

As members of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, we have access to an ongoing network that shares the latest in diagnostic advances, practice protocols and innovative research for pregnancies with unusual or especially difficult health concerns.

Accredited Obstetrical Ultrasound Facility

We offer obstetrical ultrasound with advanced imaging techniques that allow us to accurately monitor high-risk pregnancies. Our full-service fetal imaging suite has earned accreditation from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), an organization dedicated to promoting safe and effective ultrasound use. Detailed sonographic evaluation with targeted fetal imaging is offered by AIUM-certified physicians and sonographers.

Support Groups

Support groups provide an opportunity to share your feelings and connect with other patients and caregivers who are experiencing similar struggles.

Learn more about support groups offered

Why Choose Penn State Health for Care

Comprehensive, Compassionate Care

The maternal fetal specialists at Penn State Health feature comprehensive, compassionate care in a family-centered setting. Our board-certified experts have more than 50 years combined practice experience offering a wide range of services to address your needs during a high-risk pregnancy.

Maternal Fetal Medicine Procedures

Our experts offer a full range of maternal surgical procedures including:

• Detailed anatomic survey
• Fetal echocardiography
• Monitoring for high risk twin pregnancies and higher order multiples
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Amniocentesis
• Antenatal testing and fetal Doppler studies
• Complex delivery planning for placental disorders

Genetic Diagnostic Services

We provide advanced genetic diagnostic services to help assess your risk of being a carrier for common genetic conditions. We offer several methods to screen for genetic problems including chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis and other specialized laboratory diagnostics.

Our genetic counseling ensures you understand the effects of any genetic conditions that could affect you or your growing family and helps you make informed decisions about your family’s future.

Level 5 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The obstetrical unit at Penn State Health features a Level 5 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for babies that need the highest level of support.