Maternal Fetal Medicine

Pregnancy is a journey filled with hope, anticipation — and sometimes, the need for extra care. At AdventHealth, our maternal-fetal medicine specialists (also known as perinatologists) are here to guide and support you when your pregnancy requires advanced expertise. These highly trained physicians collaborate closely with your obstetrician to monitor and manage complex conditions, ensuring the health and safety of both you and your baby.

Our maternal-fetal medicine team provides compassionate, whole-person care through:

• High-Risk Pregnancy Management: Expert care for pregnancies that require specialized attention.
• Genetic Counseling: Personalized insights to help you make informed decisions.
• Maternal Diabetes Support: Comprehensive management to promote a healthy pregnancy.
• Prenatal Screenings and Diagnostics: Early detection and clarity for peace of mind.
• Placental and Umbilical Cord Care: Advanced testing and treatment for complex conditions.
• State-of-the-Art Imaging: Innovative technology to monitor your baby’s development.

Every pregnancy is unique — and sometimes, certain health factors mean you or your baby may need extra attention and care. A high-risk pregnancy simply means there’s a greater chance of complications, and our team is here to guide you with expertise and compassion. Knowing the causes can help you feel informed and empowered throughout your journey.

Common factors that may lead to a high-risk pregnancy include:

• Being under 18 or over 35 years old
• Carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• A history of pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth or miscarriage
• Preexisting health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
• Pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
• Lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol use, or obesity
• Certain infections or exposure to environmental toxins
• Fetal development concerns, such as growth restrictions or birth defects
  

Pregnancy is a deeply personal journey, and for some, it may come with added medical considerations. A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there’s a greater chance of complications that could affect the health of the mother, baby, or both. This doesn’t mean something will go wrong — it simply means you may benefit from closer monitoring and specialized care to ensure the best possible outcome.

You may be considered high-risk if you:

• Are age 35 or older (advanced maternal age)
• Are younger than 18
• Are carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Have a history of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or preterm birth
• Have a chronic health condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease
• Develop pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
• Have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 (obesity)
• Use tobacco, alcohol, or other substances
• Have a family or personal history of genetic disorders
• Experience fetal development concerns or abnormalities

Antepartum care is specialized medical support for people experiencing complications during pregnancy. Our team is dedicated to monitoring, providing treatment and emotional support to help ensure the health of both mother and baby before labor begins.

Conditions that may require antepartum care include:

• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
• Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
• Risk of preterm labor
• Chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, lupus, thyroid disorders)
• Mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression)
• History of pregnancy complications

The NICU at AdventHealth provides specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns, starting as early as 27 weeks. We offer 24 private rooms, 24/7 neonatal care and access to pediatric specialists all in a family-centered environment that supports bonding and healing.