If you are currently experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or are at higher risk because of genetic or medical conditions, meeting with a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist can be beneficial to discuss your concerns and make a plan that meets your needs. At Carnegie Imaging for Women, virtual consultations are also available through Zoom, and accommodations can be made for patients local to New York City, across the U.S., or even those living internationally.
Covid-19 Exposure or Illness in Pregnancy
Due to changes in the immune system during pregnancy, avoiding infection is especially important. If you have been exposed to Covid-19 or tested positive for the virus, we can help explain the risk to your baby and your own health.
IVF Pregnancy
If you are dealing with fertility issues, your doctor may recommend an MFM consultation to see if IVF is a suitable option. The IVF process often involves genetic testing, including carrier screening, aneuploidy screening, and more. A consultation can help you understand the importance of these tests, your results and risks associated with IVF pregnancies.
Twins, Triplets, and Multiple Pregnancy
Multiples, such as twins or triplets, are considered high risk pregnancies. After an MFM consultation, you and your doctor can make a plan for your healthiest possible twin, triplet, or other multiple pregnancy and delivery.
Advanced Maternal Age
Advanced maternal age, typically defined as a pregnancy at age 35 or older, presents increased risks during pregnancy. An MFM specialist can help guide you through the process and suggest screening and management options.
Short Cervix or Cervical Cerclage
A short cervix can cause multiple issues including preterm delivery and pregnancy loss. Cervical cerclage is a procedure which uses sutures to strengthen or reinforce the cervix and can prevent preterm birth.. MFM specialist are considered experts in the placement of cervical cerclages.
History of Pregnancy Loss
Patients who have a history of pregnancy loss, high risk pregnancies, or otherwise unfavorable outcomes during pregnancy may schedule an appointment with an MFM specialist to discuss their best options for future pregnancies.
High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia often occurs during the second trimester of a pregnancy, causing high blood pressure, swelling of the hands and feet, and other symptoms. An MFM specialist can help you determine a appropriate preeclampsia treatment during a consultation.
Diabetes
Whether you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, meeting with an MFM specialist to discuss your medical care and nutritional needs can help maintain your health and managed risk throughout pregnancy.
Cardiac Disease
Approximately 1-4% of pregnancies are complicated by cardiac disease, which can result in serious health concerns and pregnancy complications. Meeting with and MFM specialist to review and manage risks from cardiac disease during pregnancy is essential to optimize outcomes for you and your baby.
Cancer in Pregnancy
While cancer during pregnancy is uncommon and rarely affects the baby, your care must be carefully coordinated should this occur. MFM specialists are highly skilled in managing pregnant women with cancer.
Fetal Growth Abnormalities
Fetal growth abnormalities such as growth restriction should be assessed and monitored by a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist to optimize pregnancy outcome.
Fetal Congenital Anomalies
Fetal congenital anomalies, such as heart defects, neural tube defects, or Down syndrome, generally require an MFM consultation to manage risks associated with these births,
Use of Medication During Pregnancy
If you currently take prescription medications, we advise consultation with an MFM specialist to discuss whether you should continue these medications while pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Autoimmune Disease and Lupus and Pregnancy
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus can complicate a pregnancy or cause fertility issues. Through an MFM consultation, you can determine the best plan for your care.
Bleeding and Clotting Disorders and Pregnancy
While bleeding during pregnancy is common, those with bleeding and clotting disorders such as hemophilia or deep vein thrombosis are advised to seek advice from an MFM specialist.
Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and Pregnancy
Managing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis during pregnancy can be difficult, and are considered high risk categories..
Thyroid Disease and Pregnancy
Thyroid disease can contribute to fertility issues or complications during a pregnancy. An MFM consultation can help guide you to the best healthcare options.
Anxiety, Depression, and Psychiatric Disorders and Pregnancy
If you have concerns about managing psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression through pregnancy, which medications you can take, or your risk of passing disorders to your children, an MFM consultation can help you make the best choices for your health.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule a high risk pregnancy consultation with a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, call Carnegie Imaging or contact us online.