Maternal-Fetal Medicine (High-Risk Pregnancy Care)

Video Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] I chose the University of Chicago Medicine because I thought I was experiencing labor pain.

Kahari's mom — she was about 26 weeks and 2 days when she first came. And she had ruptured membranes.

And they indeed confirmed that I was in labor and having contractions.

The baby was upside down, so the baby was breached. So she was obviously at risk to have a C-section.

I kind of thought we were going to be able to keep him inside of her longer. But the very next day after we got to the hospital, he had come out.

Kahari was born almost 3 and 1/2 months premature. The issues like premature babies, like requiring oxygen, like requiring a breathing machine. But eventually, he recovered really well.

I think we do best is in terms of this very multi-disciplinary care, we have a lot of expertise in terms of years, as well as individuals expertise that we have for all kinds of patients with complications. Probably the only hospital that — at least I have worked in — where you have the NICU on the second floor, or very, very close proximity to the labor and delivery floor. It has been tremendously beneficial to our patients.

The NICU team was phenomenal.

We want to start from day one, if we can.

Everybody on that team helped my family to understand every part of Kahari's care so that we could best be able to care for him when we got home.

So NICU is part of our MFM team. And I think it's been fantastic for our patients, especially for all these pre-term babies, and all kinds of complications, that we have them in the same building. And I think it's very special that everybody is really very dedicated to honor babies here.

Then he's like a normal baby. If I see him in the shopping mall, it is very difficult for me to say he was born premature. That means he's smiling at parents. Kahari will have a healthy, normal childhood.

I love holding him, I love sniffing him. I love everything about him. [MUSIC PLAYING]

During pregnancy, certain health conditions and risk factors can make you and your baby vulnerable to potential complications. To support the healthiest possible outcome for you both, our highly experienced maternal-fetal medicine physicians will support you in understanding and managing your health risks during and after pregnancy.

A Team of Specialists Dedicated to Your and Your Baby's Care

Often called high-risk pregnancy doctors or high-risk obstetricians, maternal-medicine physicians lead teams of specialists in personalizing each patient's care based on their unique health challenges. At the Family Birth Center, our team of maternal-fetal medicine specialists, includes physicians, physician assistants (PAs), nurses, nutritionists, diabetes educators, perinatal sonographers and a genetic counselor. Care teams often collaborate with other University of Chicago Medicine or Comer Children's experts on plans to effectively manage patients' risk.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, discuss your potential risk factors with your doctor to understand whether maternal-fetal medicine is appropriate for you.

Leading Expertise in Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Historically, University of Chicago experts have extensive experience in effectively managing risk in even the most medically complicated pregnancies. As one of only 10 regional perinatal centers in Illinois, we serve as a referral center for patients with high-risk pregnancies and the babies they carry.

Meet Our Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists

Our high-risk pregnancy doctors provide exceptional maternal-fetal care for patients referred from throughout the region, including several counties in Illinois and Northwest Indiana.

Our specialists often engage a broader team of UChicago Medicine or Comer Children's experts to collaborate in planning the best and safest care possible — especially for the most challenging diagnoses and conditions.

Refer a Patient: 773-702-6118

Highly Innovative Care Based on the Latest Advancements in Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Fetal ultrasound expert Jacques Abramowicz, MD, pointing an image on a screen

Coordinated Care for Complex Fetal Conditions

Our Fetal and Neonatal Care Center provides personalized prenatal consultations and the highest level of specialized care for babies facing critical health challenges.

Neonatologist Bree Andrews, MD, cradling a baby boy in the NICU

Streamlined Transitions to Exceptional NICU Care

Our unique location in Comer Children's Hospital offers convenient NICU access for infants who need advanced medical care at birth.

Convenient Locations for Maternal-Fetal Care

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

To refer a patient or to speak to someone directly, please call 773-702-6118.

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