They go by many names.
High-Risk OB.
High-Risk Obstetrician.
Perinatalogist.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
MFM.
So many names for one incredibly important job: to help you get through your pregnancy with the least number of health complications so you can have a healthy baby.
Who sees a high-risk OB?
Most women first see a high-risk OB during pregnancy.
This happens because she is referred by her OB/GYN when she is diagnosed with a pregnancy complication or the baby has health complications. Examples include:
Shortening cervix
Bleeding during pregnancy
High blood pressure
Genetic concerns for the baby
Fetal growth restriction
…. and many more.
Other women are referred to a high-risk OB during pregnancy because they are carrying twins, triplets or other higher order multiples, or because of advanced maternal age (mom is over the age of 35) as they are at risk for developing medical complications, such as preterm labor, during their pregnancy.
However, some women benefit from seeing a high-risk OB before they get pregnant.
Whether you have been pregnant before or are trying to conceive for the first time, you might qualify to see a high-risk OB during a preconception consultation.
Who should schedule a pre-conception consultation with a high-risk OB?
If you have a history of any of the following you should strongly consider seeking the advice of a high-risk OB before you become pregnant:
Chronic health conditions even if you have never been pregnant before (e.g. heart disease, Type-1 diabetes, thyroid disease, blood clotting disorders or anemia, obesity, clinical depression or anxiety, etc.)
Autoimmune disease even if you have never been pregnant before (e.g. Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
Cancer
Pregnancy complications (e.g. gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome, preterm delivery, cervical insufficiency, etc.)
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Bleeding during pregnancy
What can you expect during a preconception consultation?
A preconception consultation is an appointment with a high-risk OB where you will go over your medical history, including your fertility history and experience with pregnancy and delivery. (Tweet that!)
You will review any chronic medical conditions you have, what they mean for your fertility as well any risks they pose for being able to carry a pregnancy to term.
Additionally, you will discuss any health problems that arose during previous pregnancies if you have been pregnant before.
Finally, you will receive a medical plan with recommended strategies to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy.
The possible strategies you’ll be given can range widely.
They can be anything from takin