High-Risk Pregnancy Care
The Vanderbilt High-Risk Pregnancy Care team treats a wide variety of conditions that can lead to challenges during pregnancy. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, a history of pre-term labor and delivery, the loss of a pregnancy, multiple babies and genetic diseases are among the reasons your pregnancy might be considered high-risk. That doesn’t mean you should be any less hopeful and excited about the life you’re bringing into the world. Our focus is on helping you successfully manage conditions that have the potential to affect your pregnancy — paving the way for a healthy pregnancy, a safe delivery and a healthy baby.
Conditions We Treat
We treat any medical condition or pre-existing illness that could affect a pregnancy, including women with histories of pregnancy complications.
- Common fetal conditions
- Heart disease in pregnancy
Meet Your Care Team
Kelly A. BennettMD, MS
- Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy)
Lavenia B. CarpenterMD
- Gynecology, HIV in Pregnancy, High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy)
Etoi A. GarrisonMD, PhD
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, Gestational Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy)
Matthew R. GraceMD
- Diabetic Care in Pregnancy, Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy)
Laura E. HoustonMD, MSCR
- Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, General Obstetrics, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy)
Andrea W. JohnsonMD
- Consult for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Diabetic Care in Pregnancy, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy), Multiple Pregnancy, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emily R. GuessMSN, APRN
- Diabetic Care in Pregnancy, Drug Dependency in Pregnancy, Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Megan R. WebbAPRN
- Diabetic Care in Pregnancy, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy), Obstetrics and Gynecology
Martha E. DudekMS
- Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, Genetic Counseling, Genetics, Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy), Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Caitlin M. MannMS, CGC
- Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, Genetic Counseling, Gynecology, Infertility, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy)
Randa E. NewmanMS
- Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, Genetic Counseling, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy, Infertility, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy)
Jill R. SlamonMS, MA, BS
- Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, Genetic Counseling, Gynecology, Infertility, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy)
Why Choose High-Risk Pregnancy Care at Vanderbilt
- Highly skilled doctors
Providing care for a high-risk pregnancy may involve skills, knowledge and expertise beyond what your OB/GYN can offer. Our team consists of physicians who are board certified not only in obstetrics and gynecology, but also in maternal-fetal medicine. Whether you’re experiencing a health-related issue that might affect your pregnancy or your unborn child has a medical issue that needs to be addressed prior to birth, you can be confident in knowing that all of you will receive the very best treatment from doctors who have a track record of success in managing complex pregnancies.
- Team approach
Because there are many conditions that can result in a pregnancy becoming high risk, we work closely with other Vanderbilt doctors who specialize in a wide variety of areas — from endocrinology to addiction to anesthesia. We also maintain consistent communication with your OB/GYN so that, when possible, you’ll have the option of delivering your baby in a hospital close to your home and your support network.
- Personalized care
No pregnancy is like another. That’s particularly true with high-risk pregnancies. Yours is unique — which is why your treatment plan will be, too. We’ll work with you to identify any challenges with your pregnancy and provide care that’s customized to you and your baby.
- Innovative research and treatment options
We’re always looking for new and better ways to help ensure the health of both you and your unborn child. Our team is known for successfully developing and performing complex procedures, including conducting in-utero spina bifida repairs.
- Recognized care
The Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital provides the highest designated level of neonatal care in Tennessee. This comprehensive care team has the expertise and experience to care for the most complex situations and critically ill newborns. All subspecialties within neonatology are represented at Vanderbilt — ensuring that any care your baby needs can be provided right here.
- Telehealth
You may want to learn whether your baby is at risk for birth defects or any genetic disorders. If so, you can receive genetic counseling from Vanderbilt no matter where you’re located. Using video-based communication, you can speak with one of our genetic counselors who can answer your questions and provide guidance.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Genetic counseling
- In-utero surgery
- Universal carrier screening
Locations (9)
Our Clarksville, Franklin, Columbia and Murfreesboro locations provide maternal-fetal consultations. Our Cool Springs, Lawrenceburg, Mt. Juliet and Springfield locations provide only ultrasounds for high-risk pregnancies. Images taken in these locations can be read by our specialists remotely.