Care for High Risk Mothers

Decades ago, most women began their families in their late teens or early
twenties. Today, many women wait until their thirties or forties before
beginning families. Providence offers comprehensive obstetrical services by
maternal-fetal medicine specialists for these women, as well as for women
classified as high risk. This classification could result from diabetes,
hypertension, blood disorders, substance abuse, recurrent and unexplained
pregnancy loss, previous delivery of a premature baby or a baby with a birth
defect.
Gestational Diabetes Program
Women who have diabetes or who develop diabetes during pregnancy
(gestational diabetes) need special medical attention during their
pregnancies. Their infants also may require special care. At Providence, our
specialists in maternal-fetal medicine have extensive experience in managing diabetes and
gestational diabetes. They work with expectant mothers and Hospital support staff to plan care and
develop an appropriate nutritional program. Our fully accredited diabetes outpatient program provides
support services, education and after-care for women who remain diabetic following pregnancy.
Providence neonatologists can provide the special care needed by some infants born to mothers with
diabetes or gestational diabetes.
Antenatal Unit
Providences antenatal unit for high-risk mothers and their unborn babies provides the special care
some patients require prior to delivery. The unit combines electronic fetal monitoring with
sophisticated ultrasound and doppler technology. And Providence offers not only medical support to
these patients: Physicians and nurses specially trained in high-risk pregnancies provide emotional
support and care with great sensitivity during a time that can be very stressful for the mother and her
family. Our perinatal social worker is available to assist you with identifying other resources you may
need.