Conditions that Can Complicate a Pregnancy


Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division at BIDMCThe Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a consultative practice for high-risk conditions of the mother and fetus. That means we work together as a team, with your primary obstetrician and with any specialists you may need, to provide high quality, safe and compassionate care for you and your baby.

Pre-Existing (Chronic) Conditions that May Complicate a Pregnancy

Other Factors that can Lead to Pregnancy Complications

  • Conception achieved through reproductive technologies
  • DES (diethylstilbestrol) exposure
  • Fetal anomalies (babies in utero with abnormalities, such as fetal cardiac dysfunction)
  • Fetal surgery
  • History of pregnancy loss (miscarriage), stillbirth and preterm labor
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Incompetent (or weakened) cervix
  • Intrauterine growth restriction (poor growth of the developing fetus)
  • Maternal age of 35 and beyond
  • Multiple gestation/triplets or more
  • Obesity
  • Preeclampsia
  • Placenta accreta
  • Placenta previa
  • STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
  • Vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC)

Talk with your primary obstetrician if you have a history of chronic illness, a sudden complication, or if you are anxious about your pregnancy.

Your obstetrician can refer you to one of our maternal-fetal medicine specialists at BIDMC for further evaluation or a second opinion. You can also call us directly to schedule an appointment at 617-667-2636 (CMFM).

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