Welcome to Pregnancy Connection Line
A high-risk pregnancy may require additional monitoring, specialized testing or treatment to support the health of you and your baby. The Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine team provides specialized care for women with high-risk pregnancies while you remain under the care of your current OB/GYN.
Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists work closely with your OB/GYN and specialists in diabetes; cardiology; fetal care; neonatology; pediatric specialties, such as cardiology; and other areas to provide care tailored to your pregnancy and your baby.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are obstetricians with additional training managing health conditions, pregnancy complications and issues that may affect a developing baby. Whether you need a consultation, advanced testing, closer monitoring or ongoing care, Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine providers will help you understand your condition throughout your pregnancy journey.
Being referred to a maternal-fetal medicine provider does not necessarily mean something is wrong with you or your baby. Some women need specialized care because of a preexisting health condition or pregnancy complication, while others may benefit from additional testing or monitoring because of certain risk factors.
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Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are part of your larger pregnancy care team. Your OB/GYN will continue to provide your routine prenatal care, while your maternal-fetal medicine specialist provides consultation, specialized testing or additional monitoring.
There are many reasons your OB/GYN or other health care provider may recommend a maternal-fetal medicine consultation. These can include:
Your health history, current pregnancy and your baby’s needs will help determine whether additional maternal-fetal medicine care is appropriate.
“At Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine, we partner with you, your family, your obstetrician and other members of your health care team to work toward the best pregnancy for both mom and baby. Our specialists see patients at our offices outside of the Louisville area and will work with you to help you deliver with your obstetrician.”
Kendal K. Stephens, M.D.Medical DirectorNorton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine, part of Norton Women’s Care
Neonatal care for children with congenital anomalies starts when your baby’s condition is diagnosed, whether while you’re pregnant or shortly after birth.
If you’ve been referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, it can prompt a wave of emotions. Try to remember that whatever has come up with your pregnancy, you are in the right place.
Norton Women’s Care offers classes and tours that can help families prepare for delivery after a complex pregnancy.
Pregnancy can place additional demands on the heart, particularly for women who have cardiovascular conditions or develop high blood pressure or other heart-related concerns during pregnancy. The Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Women’s Heart Program provides specialized care for women with heart conditions and works with maternal-fetal medicine specialists when cardiovascular concerns affect pregnancy.
This collaboration can help coordinate care for women with conditions such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, arrhythmias and other cardiovascular conditions that may require specialized attention during pregnancy.
When an ultrasound or other testing identifies a birth defect, genetic condition or other fetal concern, the Norton Children’s Fetal Care Center brings together maternal-fetal medicine specialists, pediatric subspecialists, neonatologists, genetic counselors, nurse navigators and other specialists.
The team can help diagnose fetal conditions, explain treatment options and coordinate care before and after your baby’s birth. When appropriate, your care team also can plan for delivery and specialized newborn care based on your baby’s needs.
Diabetes can require additional attention during pregnancy. Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine works with specialists across Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s to help women manage diabetes and other endocrine conditions before and during pregnancy.
Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, a part of Norton Healthcare, brings together diabetes specialists, diabetes educators and other health care professionals. Norton Healthcare’s adult endocrinology services and the Norton Children’s Endocrinology team provide additional expertise for diabetes and endocrine conditions across different stages of life.
From management of maternal health conditions to fetal diagnosis, delivery planning and newborn care, the collaboration between Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Norton Women’s Care, Norton Children’s and more helps connect you with the care you and your baby need.
Our goal is to make it easier for you to access specialized expertise while keeping you informed about your care. Your maternal-fetal medicine team will help coordinate with your OB/GYN and other specialists so you can understand your options and make decisions that are right for you and your baby.