If you have a uterus, cervix, ovaries, or vagina, you should be seeing a gynecologist regularly.
However, if you’re pregnant (or planning to be), you should be under the care of a specialist who is both a gynecologist and an obstetrician (OB/GYN).
Not all pregnancies are uncomplicated. Factors such as pregnancy-related complications, accidents, or even your own medical conditions can result in a high level of risk, requiring specialized care. In such cases, a high-risk OB/GYN has the experience and training to ensure the best possible outcome.
1. What is a high-risk OB/GYN?
High-risk OB/GYNs, also known as perinatologists or maternal-fetal medicine specialists, specialize in pregnancies that are unusually risky for the pregnant person, their unborn child, or both.
A high-risk OB/GYN will thoroughly monitor patients throughout their pregnancy, assist during labor and delivery, and provide specialist care immediately after birth. A high-risk OB/GYN will also coordinate and work with other healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, endocrinologists, and your primary care provider.
A perinatologist will also perform testing, treatment, and symptom management as necessary to reduce risk and ensure a healthy pregnancy. This could include extra ultrasounds, blood tests, and genetic testing, antenatal care, referrals to specialists, or postnatal interventions.
2. What’s the difference between a perinatologist (high-risk OB/GYN) and an obstetrician?
Training! Perinatologists complete all the schooling and training required to be OB/GYNs plus an additional three years of high-risk pregnancy training. They are trained in diagnosing and treating genetic disorders as well as managing potential medical and surgical complications.
3. What’s the difference between a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and a perinatologist?
There isn’t one! These are just different terms for high-risk pregnancy specialists.
4. What causes a high-risk pregnancy?
It may be worrying to hear, but any pregnancy can become high risk. A number of risk factors before or during your pregnancy could cause a pregnancy to be “high risk,” such as:
- A pre-existing health condition, such as diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or high blood pressure.
- Health problems developed during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.
- Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Maternal age (under 19 or over 35 years old)
- A history of miscarriages or stillbirths.
- A family history of genetic disorders or birth defects.
- Abnormalities or irregularities discovered on routine scans or tests.
Your OB/GYN may refer you to a perinatologist if they deem it necessary. However, you can also seek out a high-risk specialist for an additional opinion on your own.
5. How long does it take to qualify as a perinatologist?
At least 10 years.
Becoming a women’s health expert starts with an undergraduate degree, followed by medical school. After med school, they complete a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology.
To become a perinatologist, the doctor will complete an additional two to three years of specialist training in complicated pregnancies.
6. Do high-risk OB/GYNs (perinatologists) deliver babies?
All perinatologists start as OB/GYNs, which means they are qualified and trained to deliver babies. Dr. Rad is often involved in his patients’ deliveries and C-sections.
Call (844) 473-6100 or click here to schedule online
7. What is involved in high-risk pregnancy care?
High-risk pregnancy care involves more than just safely delivering a baby. To ensure a safe pregnancy, a perinatologist may be consulted for preconception counseling or extra antenatal testing. Our perinatologist has access to many tests to check for pregnancy complications early.
Some of these tests include:
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Chromosomal testing
- Down syndrome testing
- Fetal echocardiograms
If you have a pre-existing health condition, a perinatologist will cooperate with your care team to manage your health during pregnancy. This may include management of:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
8. Who needs to see a high-risk pregnancy doctor?
If you’re in a high-risk category (based on age or medical history), experienced previous pregnancy loss or preterm labor, have a family history of genetic abnormalities, are experiencing pregnancy complications, or just want to get a perinatologist on your team in case something comes up, you’ll want to find a good high-risk pregnancy doctor.
Our maternal-fetal medicine specialist can perform first-trimester screening for early diagnosis of potential complications or birth defects as well as genetic counseling for any chromosomal or genetic problems that may be uncovered.
Your OB/GYN may refer you to a perinatologist if they deem it necessary. However, you can also seek out a high-risk specialist for an additional opinion on your own.
Not all pregnancies are uncomplicated. Factors such as pregnancy-related complications, accidents, or even your own medical conditions can result in a high level of risk, requiring specialized care.
9. Where can I find a high-risk pregnancy OB/GYN near L.A.?
Hearing that something is not right with your pregnancy is frightening and isolating, and your priority is to find a doctor who can provide the expertise and access needed for the highest-quality care.
Dr. Steve Rad and the Los Angeles Maternal Fetal Care Center have dealt first-hand with the emotional turmoil of complex pregnancies. He trained at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and now acts as an assistant professor at both UCLA and UCSF.
His practice is defined by empathy and protected by his credentials. He enjoys hospital privileges at many of Los Angeles’ top children’s hospitals and health centers and has been named a top Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist in Los Angeles by Los Angeles Magazine for six years in a row.
Call us at (844) 473-6100 or schedule your consultation online. We are currently accepting new patients.
His office is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine, and Downtown Los Angeles. We also offer in-home prenatal care and a fly-in program for out-of-town and international patients. Dr. Rad even travels to patients who need him throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Call (844) 473-6100 or click here to schedule online
