Our Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) subspecialist treats two patients at the same time. We partner with the mom-to-be, her family, and her medical team to navigate the un-routine and achieve the best possible outcome. We see families who have experienced high-risk pregnancies in the past, women with chronic health conditions, and women who develop unexpected problems during their pregnancy.

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Before and during pregnancy, our MFM can provide advice for women with chronic health conditions or those who have experienced a high-risk pregnancy in the past. At a consultation, our MFM reviews a woman’s medical and pregnancy history and helps to map out an optimal strategy for her pregnancy.

Conditions treated

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• Gestational diabetes

• Pregestational diabetes (diabetes diagnosed prior to pregnancy)

• Hypertension/ pre-eclampsia

• Clotting or bleeding disorder

• Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorder

• Thyroid disorder

• Cardiac disease

• Renal disease

• Liver disease

• GI disease

• Anemia

• Seizure disorder

• Multiple sclerosis

• Other neurological disorder

Preterm labor or history of preterm delivery

• Cervical insufficiency

• Twins or higher order multiples

• Fetal growth restriction

• Fetal anomalies

• Fetal alloimmunization

What is preconception counseling?

Your OB/GYN will provide you with preconception counseling and patient education before you start trying to conceive.

When it comes to starting a family, many women and couples seek preconception counseling.

While it's impossible to predict when you'll conceive, preconception counseling can help you be as healthy as possible when you do.

This is especially crucial if you've previously had high-risk pregnancies or have any pre-existing disorders that may impair the health of your pregnancy.

What is the significance of preconception counseling?

Many women don't realize they're pregnant until they're 6-8 weeks along.

Your fetus goes through several developmental changes during this time, including the formation of various organs.

You can avoid some pregnancy issues by recognizing potential hazards before you conceive, such as:

• Gestational diabetes

• Pregestational diabetes (diabetes diagnosed prior to pregnancy)

• Hypertension/ pre-eclampsia

• Clotting or bleeding disorder

• Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorder

• Thyroid disorder

• Cardiac disease

• Renal disease

• Liver disease

• GI disease

• Anemia

• Seizure disorder

• Multiple sclerosis

• Other neurological disorder

Is it necessary for me to get preconception counseling?

Any type of pregnancy can benefit from preconception counseling.

If you're going to start trying for a baby soon, chat to David L. Principe, MD, about scheduling a full evaluation to detect any hazards.

Although everybody can benefit from preconception counseling, David L. Principe, MD, strongly advises scheduling a session if you:

Do you have a pre-existing medical condition? (diabetes, heart disease, etc.)

Are you overweight?

Have experienced many miscarriages and are above the age of 35

Have experienced a stillbirth or numerous pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)

If you have another child with a genetic issue or a family history of certain inherited illnesses like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, or muscular dystrophy, you should seek preconception counseling.

What does preconception counseling?

Your clinician may recommend diagnostic testing such as a diagnostic ultrasound, first-trimester fetal echo, noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT), blood work, and other imaging tests in addition to the ultrasound, depending on your potential risks.

Krunal Patel, MD, evaluates your medical history and asks you questions about your health and lifestyle during your preconception counseling meetings.