Maternal & Fetal Medicine | Cleveland Clinic Florida

Overview

If there’s a problem with your pregnancy or your unborn baby has a health issue, you may feel stressed and scared. But you’re not alone. Our maternal-fetal medicine team is equipped to help you and your baby, no matter what your needs. Our maternal-fetal medicine doctors are leaders in their field, with deep knowledge of the specialized care needed for high-risk pregnancies.

Mothers facing a high-risk pregnancy can see world-renowned experts close to home at our Tradition and Vero Beach locations. Our services include complete care for moms who have medical conditions or a history of pregnancy complications. We also provide expert care if your unborn baby has a health condition.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic Florida?

High-risk pregnancy care requires specialists who have a high level of training and expertise in this area of medicine. Our doctors have years of experience treating thousands of moms and babies with a variety of conditions. When you come to us for maternal-fetal care, you receive:

Expert team: Our team of obstetricians, nurses, sonographers and support staff care for all types of high-risk pregnancies. We manage pregnancy care for mothers with health conditions and any complications with their babies. Meet our maternal-fetal medicine team.
Comprehensive care: Our maternal-fetal medicine team works with other Cleveland Clinic specialists to provide complete care and support. With our multispecialty approach, you have an entire team of experts on your side. From before pregnancy to delivery and beyond, we have skilled, compassionate providers that understand and are ready to help.
Genetics expertise: Our on-staff genetic counselor can help you understand possible conditions in your baby and your genetic testing options. We then work with you to create a care plan geared toward the best outcome for you and your baby.
Your choice of obstetrician: We can care for you and your baby no matter where you choose to have your delivery. We connect with your obstetrician (OB-GYN) to provide information about your medical and personal needs. We also speak with your hospital’s neonatologist if your baby needs special care after delivery. Our team communicates closely with these providers before, during and after your baby’s birth.
Pre-pregnancy care: We provide preconception counseling for mothers who have a history of pregnancy loss or difficult pregnancies. Our experts craft a pre-pregnancy plan that can help you increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. Even if you’ve been told not to pursue a future pregnancy, we can give you guidance and support.

High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions We Treat

With our skill and experience, we treat every type of high-risk pregnancy. You may be a candidate for our services if you’re pregnant and you have:

Advanced maternal age (you’re 35 years or older at the time of conception).
Baby with a birth defect or suspected health problem.
Baby with growth issues.
Family history of congenital disabilities or genetic health conditions.
Medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease or autoimmune disorders.
Multiple gestation, including twins, triplets or more.
Previous poor pregnancy outcomes like repeated miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.
Placenta problems like placenta previa, when the placenta covers the opening of the uterus (cervix).
Previous pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

Comprehensive Maternal-Fetal Medicine Services

If you have a pregnancy complication, our team is ready to help. We provide complete care for you and your baby, including complex or rare conditions. Services we provide include:

Amniocentesis.
Cervical cerclage.
Diabetes management and nutritional counseling.
Fetal anatomy screening.
Fetal antenatal testing.
Genetic counseling.
Preconception counseling.
Preterm birth prevention.
Screening for chromosome abnormalities.

Amniocentesis

During genetic amniocentesis, your doctor uses ultrasound to guide a needle into the amniotic fluid (fluid around the baby). Then, we test the fluid sample to look for certain genetic conditions in the fetus.

Cervical cerclage

This procedure can help prevent cervical insufficiency, where the cervix opens too early. Cervical cerclage involves placing a suture (stitch) to close the cervix. The procedure reduces the chance of miscarriage or premature birth.

Diabetes management and nutritional counseling

Diabetes can cause health problems for both mother and baby. Our doctors work with you to control existing diabetes or gestational diabetes.

Our team provides nutrition guidance and close monitoring of blood sugars. These measures help prevent pregnancy complications and increase the chances of a healthy baby.

Fetal anatomy screening

We perform a detailed ultrasound of the baby at 18-20 weeks of gestation. This test looks for major birth defects and other complications.

Fetal antenatal testing

We offer the range of antenatal (prenatal) tests based on your needs. These tests may include heart rate monitoring, ultrasound scans and checking amniotic fluid volume. You may be a candidate for antenatal testing if your pregnancy is complicated by:

Diabetes (gestational and pre-existing).
Fetal growth restriction, when the baby measures small for their gestational age. In some cases, it can mean a complication needs treatment.
High blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy.
History of pregnancy problems.
Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid).
Polyhydramnios (high amniotic fluid).

Genetic counseling

If you have a risk of genetic (inherited) conditions in yourself or your fetus, our genetic counselor will be your guide. The counselor will ask you about your family’s health history at your first meeting. They’ll also ask about your personal medical history and that of the baby’s father.

Then, your genetic counselor explains all the tests available and the risks associated with them. They also explain your test results and discuss your options at each step.

Preconception counseling

Our team provides guidance for women with pre-existing medical conditions or a history of pregnancy problems. We help you improve your health before conceiving and plan your care during future pregnancies. For example, we care for women who have a history of pregnancy loss (miscarriages or stillbirth). These patients may benefit from customized tests and treatment before their next pregnancy.

Preterm birth prevention

If you have previously delivered a baby too early or have a higher risk, you may need extra care. We provide specialized tests and treatment to help prevent premature birth.

Screening for chromosome abnormalities

We offer tests that look for chromosome abnormalities and congenital disabilities. These tests can tell you early in pregnancy if your baby might have a chromosomal condition like Down syndrome.

This testing is optional, and we answer all your questions about the tests. Sometimes your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor to discuss your needs and choices. Chromosome tests offer parents the chance to learn about these conditions and make plans before the baby is born.

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