Maternal-fetal specialists provide high-risk pregnancy care for unique needs throughout pregnancy.
I was born with spina bifida and received my earliest care at Vanderbilt — care that helped shape my life.
Decades later, I returned as an expectant mother, after years of infertility and pregnancy losses, navigating a high-risk pregnancy of my own. Walking through the same doors where my own journey began brought a deep sense of reflection, gratitude and trust, especially knowing that I was now relying on this team during one of the most vulnerable moments of my adult life.
What maternal-fetal medicine is about
Maternal-fetal medicine is about medical care during pregnancies that have complications, or a high risk for complications. These pregnancies can include factors such as a history of high blood pressure in the mother; a new condition that develops during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes; a history of complications in past pregnancies; a history of miscarriages; an abnormality for the fetus; multiple fetuses; or other conditions that will require more frequent or a higher level of prenatal care.
The maternal-fetal experts who care for the mother and the unborn baby may include obstetricians specializing in high-risk pregnancies, genetic counselors, care coordinators and other pediatric specialists. At Vanderbilt’s maternal-fetal medicine practice, two teams provide care during the pregnancy: One focuses on the mother’s health, and the other on the unborn baby’s.
The medical skills of these teams are very important. It’s just as important, however, that these experts understand the emotional experience of going through a high-risk pregnancy, and help expectant parents through this vulnerable and potentially stressful time.
The moment of uncertainty
Due to my medical history, I had been receiving maternal-fetal care from the beginning of my pregnancy. Then, at 14 weeks, doctors saw a tiny spot on my baby’s spine. At 16 weeks, the team gave us a preliminary diagnosis of spina bifida.
After working so hard to get pregnant and stay pregnant, my anxiety was already high, but now a new wave of fear washed over me. The possibility felt especially heavy. This wasn’t just a diagnosis I understood clinically – it was a part of my own story.
Spina bifida affects everyone so differently. I knew my baby would be OK, but I had a lot of fear and uncertainty over what this meant for my daughter and my pregnancy. My doctor referred us to the Reed Family Maternal Fetal Clinic at Vanderbilt. Within a few hours of our diagnosis, I got a call from the team to schedule an appointment and to explain our path forward. I was still anxious, but I also felt a sense of relief. We had a plan. We had a support team.
Initial appointment day
Before I even walked through the door, I felt supported. Between the phone calls and messages through the patient portal, I had communicated with many of the team members and understood what to expect at our appointment. My husband and I were set to meet with a variety of team members from various medical specialties, including sonographers, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners and pediatric specialists.
From the moment I checked in at the front desk, I felt at home. Everyone was supportive and kind. During the ultrasound, I got extremely nauseated. The sonographer jumped into action, quickly getting me water and a fan. She was kind and patient with me. Each team member that met with us was knowledgeable, explained things in detail and gave us plenty of space and time for questions. The care felt purposeful, thoughtful and reassuring.
Comfort and expertise
After our initial visit, the team determined that my daughter didn’t have spina bifida. Even though that concern was resolved, I chose to stay with the team to monitor my high-risk pregnancy, for my own sake. My pregnancy had been stressful due to previous pregnancy losses, and the maternal-fetal team made me feel at ease, safe and supported. They worked closely with my obstetrician-gynecologist, which allowed me to have a truly personalized experience.
They understood spina bifida and helped us navigate next steps for my daughter as well as birthing options and pregnancy care for me. They listened to my concerns and helped me make informed, smart decisions for her, myself and my body.
Pregnancy is a vulnerable time. A high-risk pregnancy can feel especially vulnerable and uncertain. I am thankful for the team of experts who helped me navigate my pregnancy. This team had knowledge about my medical condition and took the time and effort to explain options and give me the highest level of care possible.
There is something profoundly meaningful about knowing that the hospital that helped me thrive as a baby went on to care for me as a mother. Experiencing that same expertise and compassion decades later, in a moment of vulnerability and uncertainty, is something I will never forget. Expert care isn’t just about the outcome – it’s about confidence, compassion and comfort throughout the journey.
If you’re facing a complicated pregnancy
Vanderbilt Health’s high-risk obstetrics team, known as maternal-fetal medicine specialists, provides the region’s most advanced care for you and your little one.
Two sets of specialists – one dedicated to you and one to your baby (or babies) – work closely with your regular obstetrician, carefully coordinating care with the aim of reducing delivery complications.
