As a regional referral center for high-risk pregnancies, the Center for High-Risk Pregnancy & OB/GYN Specialty Care at University Health 2 (UH 2) offers specialized care to pregnant women and their babies.
We provide personalized case management services to support and guide expectant moms through a pregnancy that is deemed high risk, whether that's due to a health condition or because you're carrying more than one baby.
Your family can have confidence knowing our maternal fetal specialist will provide expert care for your every need, including:
- Maternal expertise for care of the expectant mom.
- Fetal expertise for care of their unborn baby.
- Pediatric expertise for care of their newborn.
“Without the experts at University Health,
I wouldn’t be a mom today.”
Watch Allisa’s story.
Leaders in maternal-fetal medicine (MFM)
The maternal-fetal medicine specialists or perinatologist at our University Health Women's Care High Risk Clinic are leaders in the field of fetal medicine as well as fetal and neonatal surgery. Fetal surgery refers to operations on babies still in the womb while neonatal surgery refers to operations performed on newborns. We provide the highest quality of care available through an experienced team that's accustomed to treating even the most complex concerns.
The team is available 24/7 for consultations or treatments. We promise your care will be compassionate and personal from the very first day you arrive. We pair you with your very own nurse navigator to guide and support you every step of the way, anticipating your needs and easing the burden for you and your family.
Expert prenatal diagnostic services
We're committed to giving babies the very best possible start in life. That's why we provide state-of-the-art prenatal testing and screenings to moms before their baby is born. Some of the tests our high-risk pregnancy doctors may order include:
- Routine anatomical assessment
- Specialized Level 2 screening ultrasounds including advanced technology when indicated
- Fetal Echocardiograms
- First trimester screening
- Antenatal Surveillance
- Amniocentesis
- Evaluation and management of pregnancies complicated by medical conditions
- Cell-free fetal DNA screening
"The care I received at University Health was unmatched. I never lost hope." Watch LaKesha’s story.
The Bridge of Hope
Patients in the High-Risk Pregnancy Center have immediate access to the Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children's Mercy Hospital via a footbridge between the two hospitals. A Level IV NICU offers the highest level of care available for premature and critically ill newborns.
This seamless partnership between our facility and Children's Mercy Hospital creates an unparalleled access to critical care when every second matters. We are the only maternity hospital in the Kansas City metro area that has this physical connection.
At University Health, we deliver nearly half of all newborn babies in Kansas City, MO. For you, that means we have the experience to handle births that are everything from routine to complex.
Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Our state-of-the art level III NICU features large, private suites for parents and their baby or babies (special suites available for twins or triplets) to experience their first moments together in without distraction. The NICU is well equipped to offer specialized care to your baby should any complications arise.
When you are ready to go home, take advantage of our “family room” for a trial overnight stay to see how you, your partner and your little one(s) do on your own. The NICU staff is just a call away should you need assistance.
How to make an appointment
A doctor's referral is required for all high-risk related appointments. To start the referral process, complete the form at the top of this page.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine FAQ
A maternal fetal medicine specialist (perinatologist) receives a traditional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) education but with an additional three years of training to learn how to treat medical complications that are related to pregnancy.
Amniocentesis is a test for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down Syndrome, and it can be performed between 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. A sample typically collected by inserting a long, thin needle through the belly or vagina and into the placenta.
Our sonographers work closely with University Health Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians. Ultrasound is used to guide the catheter or needle into the correct spot for collecting the sample. The early diagnosis is an advantage to the test. A referral to a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist is required. Since there is a small risk of miscarriage associated with this test, you should discuss it and its benefit with your doctor.
High-risk unborn babies need extra care from a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist. OBGYN’s and MFM’s work together to provide the best care possible for mom and baby.
Certain factors such as age (being over 35 or under 17) and health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, etc.) may cause a woman to have a high-risk pregnancy. Another factor is a mother with multiple babies. At University Health, we specialize in multiple births and have a state-of-the-art Level III NICU to keep families together in one private room without distraction.
A maternal fetal medicine specialist (perinatologist) receives a traditional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) education but with an additional three years of training to learn how to treat medical complications that are related to pregnancy.
You may be referred to a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist when your pregnancy needs more in-depth monitoring or advanced diagnostics. This could include detailed ultrasounds, genetic testing, or help managing medical conditions that may affect pregnancy.
Your OBGYN may also recommend an MFM consultation if you’ve had complications in a previous pregnancy, are carrying multiples, or if new concerns arise during your current pregnancy. At University Health, our MFM team partners closely with your obstetric provider to support a safe, healthy delivery.
A high-risk pregnancy is one that has an increased likelihood of complications for the mother, baby, or both. MFM physicians use various techniques to manage high-risk pregnancies, including close monitoring through regular ultrasounds, specialized prenatal testing, lifestyle counseling, and personalized treatment plans. The goal is to minimize potential risks and ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and baby.
During your initial visit, our MFM specialist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, any previous pregnancies, and current concerns. They may perform a detailed ultrasound to evaluate fetal health and discuss any necessary prenatal screenings or tests. The visit is an opportunity for you to ask questions and share any anxieties you might have about your pregnancy. Our team is here to support you throughout this journey.
Absolutely! Managing multiple pregnancies requires specialized care to ensure the health of both the mother and all fetuses. Our high-risk specialists have expertise in handling the unique challenges associated with multiple pregnancies. We will closely monitor fetal growth and development, address any complications that may arise, and guide you through the journey with the utmost care and attention.
When it’s time to deliver, University Health has a state-of-the-art Level III NICU should your babies need it.
The first step in seeing a University Health MFM provider is getting a referral from your obstetrician or healthcare provider. Your provider can visit our website and click on For Physicians in our navigation bar. There they will find a form to fill out with your information. UHKC.org/for-physicians
Our MFM team of experienced and compassionate specialists are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for high-risk pregnancies. We pride ourselves on utilizing the latest advancements in technology and research to offer personalized and evidence-based treatment plans for each patient. Our focus is on supporting you and your baby's health, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both of you.
For more critical needs, University Health has a literal footbridge that connects our Birthplace and NICU to Children’s Mercy and it’s level IV NICU (the highest level available). There’s no safer place to deliver your baby.
UH works daily with the Children’s Mercy team to focus on your baby’s health needs and the comfort of your family. This team includes neonatologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, lactation consultants and social workers.