If you or your baby has a higher risk of health problems, your pregnancy is considered high risk. It may be due to:

  • Age, including first pregnancies in women over 35 or teen pregnancies
  • Complications with previous births
  • Existing health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, thyroid or kidney disease, autoimmune illnesses, or pelvic health conditions
  • Family history of birth defects, genetic disorders, or pregnancy complications
  • Smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy
  • Pregnancy-related conditions, such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), or multiple births

High-risk pregnancies need special care, so your care team may include a maternal-fetal sub-specialist (perinatologist) — an obstetrician (OB/GYN) who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. We’re the only provider in the region to offer this advanced expertise. You can be confident you and your baby receive the very best care.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Services

A high-risk pregnancy means you may see your doctor more often, have additional tests, and receive additional monitoring to assure the health of you and your baby. A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) sub-specialist is always available at the hospital if you need one.

We offer comprehensive care for high-risk pregnancies, including:

  • Preconception counseling. If you know you’re at risk, we help you enhance your health and prepare for a healthy pregnancy. We also offer genetic counseling to identify your risks and let you make informed decisions.
  • Ultrasound tests. During each trimester, we use ultrasound (uses sound waves to create pictures) to check your baby’s growth (routine ultrasound) and focus on suspected problems, such as birth defects (specialized ultrasound).
  • Fetal heart tests. We use fetal echocardiography (ultrasound) to look at your baby’s heart. A nonstress test examines your baby’s heart rate by taking your blood pressure and placing a sensor on the skin of your abdomen.
  • Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). This blood test uses a sample of your blood to determine your baby's risk of genetic disorders.
  • Nuchal translucency screening. This first-trimester ultrasound measures fluid buildup in the developing baby to look for genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome or heart problems. 
  • Amniocentesis. This procedure takes a small sample of fluid that surrounds the growing baby (amniotic fluid) to look for genetic disorders, birth defects, and health problems.
  • Diabetes program. If you have diabetes, we help you manage your blood sugar during pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy.
  • Collaboration with newborn health experts (neonatologists). If there are complications during delivery or after your baby is born, our neonatal intensive care (NICU) team is ready to jump into action.

Pre-Delivery (Antepartum) Care

We use sophisticated monitoring equipment and the latest approaches to keep an eye on expectant moms and babies. Our MFM experts, maternity nurses, sonographers, and other specialists work as a team to provide personal attention and leading-edge care.

Our high-tech facilities give us advanced monitoring capabilities in an environment designed for your privacy, comfort, and well-being. Whether you need a short-term stay or long-term bedrest in the hospital, we make you as comfortable as possible. You get peace of mind knowing that you can get all the expertise and services you need right here.

On-Site NICU

If your newborn needs extra attention when they’re born, they can get expert care right here at our on-site NICU. That means your baby is cared for by a team you know and trust. We offer advanced therapies you won’t find anywhere else nearby.

Newborns with even the most complex health needs can get expert care at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children’s Level IV NICU in downtown Philadelphia — the highest level of neonatal care in the area. Regardless of your child’s needs, you can get leading-edge care within the Tower Health system.

We’ve Got Moms and Babies Covered

When you choose us for your baby’s birth, you can depend on advanced expertise and a full range of services for mom and baby. Whether this is your first child or you’re expanding your family, it’s comforting to know you can get a full spectrum of care from a single, trusted provider.

We offer comprehensive care for your family’s entire journey — from prenatal testing and counseling to education and complete care during pregnancy, birth, and after delivery. You benefit from the capabilities and medical specialists throughout Tower Health entities.