Care for Pregnancy Complications

Every family looks forward to a healthy pregnancy. For some women, complications may arise during pregnancy or have occurred in a previous pregnancy. Concerns that may require high-risk pregnancy care include twin, triplet or higher order multiple pregnancy; cervical insufficiency; loss of a prior infant due to stillbirth; the identification of growth abnormalities, congenital anomalies or genetic disease in the current pregnancy; placenta accreta; or other conditions, such as an irregularly shaped uterus, fibroids, or a history of prior abdominal surgery. Women with a prior history of preterm birth or who have other risk factors for premature delivery may also require high-risk pregnancy care to minimize complications.

Our team of maternal-fetal medicine specialists (high risk obstetricians), radiologists, surgeons, nurses, and other medical specialists provide supportive and compassionate care before, during, and after pregnancy for women who have or are at risk of having pregnancy complications. This care includes counseling, evaluation, and medical and surgical care. Learn more about our specialized programs for women who develop complications during pregnancy.

Our Services

Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics

The Center for Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics offers compassionate, comprehensive assessment and treatment of inherited conditions and a wide range of fetal disease including twin-twin transfusion syndrome, fetal airway obstruction, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Our team, which includes maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy) specialists, reproductive endocrinologists, geneticists, genetic counselors social workers, and nurses, provides care at our main campus and other locations throughout Greater Boston. Learn more about the services provided by the Center for Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics.

Placenta Accreta

Established in 2008, the Abnormal Placentation Program has cared for hundreds of women with uterine and placental disorders, including placenta accreta, a condition in which the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall.

We offer accreta consultation and delivery planning, and focus on individualized care based on each patient’s particular circumstances. Our hospital offers 24-hour maternal fetal medicine, high-risk anesthesia, blood bank and interventional radiology coverage. Additionally, access to cell salvage, autologous blood transfusion, and a hybrid operating room is available. Learn more about care for placenta accreta.

Preterm Birth

The Preterm Birth Clinic offers highly specialized care for preterm birth, including prevention in women at high risk for preterm birth or recurrent preterm birth and strategies to minimize complications in a babies born prematurely. Our Preterm Birth Clinic features a multidisciplinary team of experts including maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy) specialists, gynecologic surgeons, and radiologists who also work closely with neonatologists (experts in the medical care of critically ill newborns) to optimize the long-term health of both mothers and babies impacted by preterm birth. Learn more about care for preterm birth.

Prior Stillbirth

The Prior Stillbirth Clinic offers highly specialized care for women with a prior stillbirth. Our Prior Stillbirth Clinic features a multidisciplinary team of experts, including maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy) specialists, genetic specialists, pathologists, social workers and psychiatrists to optimize care for women and families who have experienced a prior stillbirth. Our team provides pre-conception counseling and review of the prior stillbirth to identify any potential causes. During the next pregnancy we provide individualized surveillance and care plans to prevent recurrence and support families through subsequent pregnancies. Learn more about prior stillbirth care.

Surgical Obstetrics and Placental Abnormalities

Since 2008, the Program for Surgical Obstetrics and Placental Abnormalities has offered specialized, compassionate care for women who face a complicated delivery due to a cesarean section identified as being complex, risk for heavy bleeding, or need for an additional surgery or hysterectomy. Our goal is to provide a healthy, safe delivery for each mother and child through careful preparation, medical expertise, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Patients may come to us at the beginning of their pregnancy, at the time they are diagnosed with a condition, or prior to becoming pregnant. Learn more about surgical conditions that may complicate pregnancy.

Twin, Triplets and More

A twin, triplet or higher-order multiples pregnancy carries specific risks and complications for both the babies and mother. The maternal-fetal medicine experts at Brigham and Women’s Hospital provide expert, multidisciplinary care and are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the health of mothers and their babies. Learn more about specialized care for a multiple pregnancy by visiting the Comprehensive Care Center for Multiples.

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