Has your pregnancy been called 'high-risk'? Let's learn about a perinatologist!

Did you feel a little scared when your obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) told you that your pregnancy was a bit 'high-risk'? Or did you wonder, "Who is that?" when you were told to see a Perinatologist? Many people get nervous when they hear this name. But there's really nothing to be afraid of. This is a doctor who provides extra care, expertise, and protection for you and your unborn baby. So today, let's talk in simple terms about who a Perinatologist is, what they do, and when you might need their help.

Simply put, who is this Perinatologist?

A perinatologist is an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) who has received special training in high-risk pregnancies . Specifically, in addition to the training received by a general obstetrician-gynecologist, they have received two to three years of additional specialized training (Fellowship) in complex health problems that can occur in the mother or baby during pregnancy.

You may hear these people by other names.

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Specialist: This means "a doctor who specializes in the mother and the baby in the womb."
• High-Risk OBGYN: "Obstetrician specializing in high-risk pregnancy conditions."

All three names refer to the same specialist. Their main job is to manage the mother's chronic medical condition during pregnancy or to ensure that the baby is born with a congenital disorder, and to safely deliver the mother and baby.

What services do you receive from a perinatologist?

A perinatologist is a specialist who supports you throughout a high-risk pregnancy. Their role is very broad. Let's take a look at the main things they do.

What is a 'High-Risk Pregnancy'?

This is a word that many people fear. But let's understand its true meaning.

There are generally several reasons why a pregnancy falls into the 'risk' category.

Why are you being referred to a Perinatologist?

Your obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) can usually manage most minor complications during pregnancy (e.g., well-controlled high blood pressure). However, if he or she feels that a situation is more complex, or if you need a second opinion, he or she will refer you to a perinatologist.

Sometimes you know before you get pregnant that your pregnancy will be at risk (for example, if you have a serious heart condition). In such cases, you may want to see a perinatologist early on.

Here are some common reasons you may be referred to a Perinatologist:

• You have pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, lupus, or diabetes.
• Severely elevated blood pressure or preeclampsia.
• If there is a risk of pre-term labor.
• If you have a history of seizures or kidney disease.
• If you have had multiple miscarriages or stillbirths in the past.
• If some tests performed during pregnancy (Prenatal Screening) produce abnormal results.
• If you are expecting twins, triplets, or more children.

What is the difference between an Obstetrician and a Perinatologist?

This is a problem that many people have. Let's understand it simply.

Think of your OBGYN as your family doctor/GP during pregnancy. He or she looks after your general health. But if you have a specific heart condition, you will be referred to a cardiologist, right? Similarly, if you have a specific, complex problem during pregnancy, your OBGYN will refer you to a perinatologist.

Seeing a perinatologist doesn't mean he or she is your primary care doctor. It means you have another specialist joining your pregnancy care team. Your primary care physician (OBGYN) and perinatologist work together as a team to make decisions about your health. You may only see the perinatologist a few times throughout your pregnancy. He or she may be very involved in your care.

What special tests does a perinatologist perform?

They use several specialized tests to identify and manage risk conditions.

• Detailed Ultrasound: A more in-depth examination of the baby's organs, development, and any abnormalities is performed than a regular scan.
• Blood Tests: Learn various information about the health of the mother and baby.
• Prenatal Screening: Checking the risk of the baby having genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome.
• Amniocentesis: A test that removes a small amount of amniotic fluid from the baby's amniotic sac to check for genetic defects.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): A procedure that involves taking a small sample of the placenta and performing genetic testing.

Do perinatologists perform surgery?

Yes, in some cases. Your primary obstetrician will often perform the delivery or C-section. However, in some very complex cases, a perinatologist may also be involved. For example, they may perform specialized surgeries such as a cervical cerclage, which is a procedure to prevent the cervix from opening before the baby is born because it is too weak.

It's normal to feel nervous when you're referred to a perinatologist. But remember, it means your doctor is trying their best to provide the best and safest care for you and your baby. So don't be afraid, and be open about any questions or concerns you have with your doctor and the perinatologist.