WashU Medicine Maternal-Fetal Medicine–Shiloh
Services provided
WashU Medicine maternal fetal medicine specialists are part of Washington University Physicians in Illinois and provide expert obstetric services to women with high-risk pregnancies.
Conditions we treat
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists provide specialized care for maternal-fetal health conditions, pregnancy complications, and fetal conditions.
Why choose WashU Medicine Maternal-Fetal Medicine–Shiloh?
We provide the highest level of expert obstetric care in the region for women with high-risk pregnancies.
- Specialized maternal expertise: WashU Medicine maternal-fetal medicine specialists have been caring for moms with high-risk pregnancies for more than 50 years.
- Advanced diagnostic testing: Specialized sonographers perform thousands of ultrasounds yearly, bringing extensive experience to every imaging exam.
- Collaborative team: We provide coordinated care before conception, throughout pregnancy, during delivery, and after birth with the goal of supporting the safest possible outcomes for you and your baby. Your care team may include maternal-fetal medicine physicians, genetic counselors, sonographers, specialized nurses, fetal surgeons, nutrition counselors, physical therapists, social workers, and neonatologists. We also partner closely with your primary OB-GYN.
- Care for complex fetal conditions: If needed, you have access to the Fetal Care Center, a collaboration among Barnes-Jewish Hospital, WashU Medicine, and St. Louis Children's Hospital. We provide the region’s most advanced integrated maternal and fetal care—including complex fetal surgeries and interventions for rare fetal conditions.
- NICU care: You’ll also have access to the highest-level newborn intensive care unit (NICU) in the region at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
- Support for families: Our goal is to deliver healthy babies and support your family, while providing the answers you need to feel informed and confident in your care.
- Perinatal behavioral health: We help you with the physical and emotional challenges of a high-risk pregnancy or a baby with a fetal condition through perinatal behavioral health counselors and other resources both on-site and virtually.
- Care close to home: We offer additional clinic locations throughout the St. Louis area, allowing you to stay close to home, when possible, for ultrasounds and checkups.
Before your appointment
We want your first visit to be as smooth and productive as possible. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ask your referring OB-GYN to send over any prior imaging or tests.
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration.
- Bring a valid photo ID and your insurance card.
- Bring a complete list of current medications, including dosages.
Frequently asked questions
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
A pregnancy may be considered high-risk when a health condition, pregnancy complication, or concern about your baby means you need additional monitoring or specialized care. Having a high-risk pregnancy does not necessarily mean something is wrong; it may simply mean you and your baby need closer monitoring.
Why would I be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?
You may be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist because of a health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, a pregnancy complication, carrying multiples, a previous pregnancy complication, or a concern identified during prenatal testing or ultrasound.
What happens at a maternal-fetal medicine appointment?
Your visit depends on why you were referred. It may include an ultrasound, additional testing or monitoring, a review of your medical and pregnancy history, and a consultation with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist about recommendations for your care.
Will a maternal-fetal medicine specialist replace my OB-GYN?
In most cases, no. Your maternal-fetal medicine specialist works closely with your primary OB-GYN to provide additional expertise and monitoring during your pregnancy. Your care team will determine the approach that is right for you based on your individual needs.
Does a high-risk pregnancy mean my baby will have to go to a newborn intensive care unit (NICU)?
No. Having a high-risk pregnancy does not necessarily mean your baby will need NICU care. If specialized newborn care is needed, your care team can help you understand what to expect and coordinate the appropriate level of care for your baby.
What are additional reasons why I may see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?
- Advanced maternal age
- Cervical weakness (if you’ve had a prior preterm birth, you may be at higher risk)
- Pregnancies in which babies share a placenta, known as monochorionic twins
- Fetal conditions including:
- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)
- Congenital heart disease (CHD)
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
- Spina bifida, including myelomeningocele (MMC), meningocele, and spina bifida occulta
- Chromosomal disorders
- Cleft lip and cleft palate
- Urinary tract anomalies
- And other conditions
- Patients with a preexisting health condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, heart conditions, or clotting disorders
- Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa
- Patients with a history of previous pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome
- Complex mental health concerns
- Thyroid or autoimmune conditions
- Multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other neurologic conditions
Where do I park?
Parking is available in the surface lot right outside the building.
