The Penn State Health Approach to High-Risk Pregnancies
High risk pregnancies occur when you, your baby or both of you have health challenges that increase the chance of complications before, during or immediately after birth. Many of the issues that increase your risk come from preexisting conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes – even if they are well-controlled. Others, like infection or injury, can develop during pregnancy or delivery. Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.) or suspected birth defects may also make a pregnancy high risk.
High risk pregnancies may need special care or treatment, but you can trust that we use evidence-based methods and teamwork to ensure the healthiest pregnancy and delivery possible.
Providing the highest level of expertise to high risk obstetrical patients
High risk pregnancies require personalized care based on specific risk factors and the overall health of mom and baby.
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine team at Penn State Health has been providing specialized care for high risk pregnancies for more than 30 years. Our experts offer pre-pregnancy consultations, second opinions for complicated pregnancies, as well as care for multiple medical and obstetrical issues during pregnancy. The Complex Fetal Care Center provides multidisciplinary care with pediatric subspecialists to create a comprehensive plan that supports you from pregnancy to delivery and newborn care.
As members of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, we have access to the latest research, diagnostic advances and best practices for pregnancies with rare or complex problems.
Accredited obstetrical ultrasound facility
We offer obstetrical ultrasound with advanced imaging techniques to accurately monitor high risk pregnancies. Our full-service fetal imaging suite is accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), recognizing our commitment to safe and effective ultrasound use. AIUM-certified physicians and sonographers provide detailed fetal imaging and evaluations.
Support groups
Connect with other patients and caregivers who have had high risk pregnancies and share your experiences.
Experts in Care
Meet our doctors, view their profiles and select the one that’s right for you.
Find a doctor near youWhy choose Penn State Health for care
Comprehensive, compassionate care
The maternal fetal specialists at Penn State Health provide comprehensive, compassionate care in a family-centered setting. Our board-certified experts have more than 50 years of combined experience offering a wide range of services to support the needs of high risk pregnancies.
Maternal obstetrical 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 fetal congenital anomalies and placental disorders
Genetic screening and diagnostic services
We provide advanced genetic screening and diagnostic services to help determine your risk for common genetic conditions and fetal genetic concerns. We offer several options, including noninvasive prenatal testing with cell-free DNA, chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis and other specialized lab diagnostics.
Our genetic counselors help you understand any genetic conditions that could affect you or your growing family and help you make informed decisions about your family’s future.
Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Penn State Health Children’s Hospital has the region’s only Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, offering the highest level of care for babies who need extra support.
Related Services & Treatments
Conditions treated
- Autoimmune diseases (ex., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Bleeding and clotting disorders
- Cervical insufficiency
- Fetal birth defects
- History of obstetrical complications
- Hypertension
- Maternal cardiovascular disease
- Maternal and fetal infections
- Multifetal gestations (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Placenta accreta spectrum
- Placenta previa
- Pre-pregnancy and gestational diabetes
- Prior preterm birth
- Pulmonary disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Other medical complications