Complex Obstetric Medicine
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Why choose UCSF Health for complex obstetric medicine?
UCSF Health provides specialized, coordinated care for pregnant people with conditions that may affect their health or their baby's health. We also care for people with pregnancy complications, such as placental issues or preeclampsia.
Our maternal-fetal medicine team includes perinatologists (high-risk pregnancy specialists), nurse practitioners, obstetric anesthesia providers, nurses and social workers. We work closely with your referring provider, giving you seamless, personalized care during pregnancy and postpartum.
Why choose UCSF Health for complex obstetric medicine?
UCSF Health provides specialized, coordinated care for pregnant people with conditions that may affect their health or their baby's health. We also care for people with pregnancy complications, such as placental issues or preeclampsia.
Our maternal-fetal medicine team includes perinatologists (high-risk pregnancy specialists), nurse practitioners, obstetric anesthesia providers, nurses and social workers. We work closely with your referring provider, giving you seamless, personalized care during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Tailored approach
Our providers help you create a pregnancy and birth plan that honors your preferences and keeps you and your baby safe before, during and after birth.Access to specialized clinics and programs
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, our experts offer specialty services to care for both you and your baby.Coordinated care
We communicate with your other providers, so you get seamless, integrated care from your health care team.World leader in fetal treatments
Our fetal specialists diagnose and treat congenital conditions before delivery, helping improve your baby's health outcomes after birth.
Complex obstetric medicine at UCSF Health
Whether you're planning to get pregnant or are already expecting, our complex obstetric medicine providers help you stay healthy throughout your pregnancy, during delivery and postpartum.
When needed, we consult with other UCSF Health experts, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists and pulmonologists. Our collaborative approach gives you and your baby the highest level of care possible.
We care for pregnant people with a range of chronic conditions, including:
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Autoimmune issues (such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis)
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Blood conditions (including sickle cell disease and history of clots)
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Complex psychiatric conditions
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Congenital or acquired heart conditions
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Diabetes or other endocrine disorders
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Gastrointestinal conditions (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease)
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History of organ transplantation
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Liver conditions (such as hepatitis and cirrhosis)
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Neurological conditions (including myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis)
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Substance use disorders
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Conditions that develop during pregnancy (such as preeclampsia and fetal concerns)
Specialized care for babies during pregnancy
We care for your baby even before they are born. Our experts in fetal treatment, prenatal diagnostics and antenatal testing provide extra monitoring, diagnostics and treatments when needed.
Dedicated high-risk pregnancy programs
UCSF Health has several programs providing comprehensive, personalized care during high-risk pregnancies:
Endocrine, Diabetes & Pregnancy Program (EDAPP)
The EDAPP is a skilled team of high-risk obstetricians and endocrinologists who develop a personalized pregnancy plan for you. EDAPP provides preconception, prenatal and postpartum care to people with endocrine conditions, such as diabetes and endocrine gland disorders.
UCSF Multidisciplinary Approach to the Placenta Service (MAPS) Program
People with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) have an increased risk of severe bleeding after birth. Through our MAPS program, a team of maternal-fetal medicine specialists monitors you closely throughout your pregnancy and works with you to create a birth plan. People with PAS may need a hysterectomy after birth to provide the safest outcome possible.
Pregnancy and Cardiac Treatment (PACT) Program
If you are pregnant and have heart disease, turn to our PACT program for specialized prenatal care. The expert team includes high-risk obstetricians and cardiologists who develop a pregnancy plan tailored to your needs. We care for pregnant people with heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, hypertension and arrhythmias.
Locations
Providers
Juan M. Gonzalez-Velez, MD
Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Christine Blauvelt, MD
Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Arianna Cassidy, MD
Obstetrics • Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Katherine Connolly, MD
Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Recognized excellence
One of the nation’s best for obstetrics & gynecology
A Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program provider
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- High-Risk Pregnancy
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
- Preeclampsia
- Placental Disorders
- Placenta Accreta
- Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
UCSF Health Birth Center
Birth Center Tour
Explore our birth center, combining expert care in a warm, family-like environment. Learn what to expect before, during and after delivering your baby.
Accreditations & memberships
Baby-friendly designation
UCSF Health is a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital by Baby-Friendly USA (BFUSA). The accreditation means we promote breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact and mother-baby bonding.
Support services
Great Expectations Pregnancy Classes
Get ready for the baby! Choose from a variety of classes that prepare moms and partners for pregnancy, birth, baby care, breastfeeding and parenting.
Lactation Consultant Support
Get support for all your breastfeeding needs. Troubleshoot with a lactation consultant, find equipment and supplies, join a support group and more.
Women's Health Resource Center
Access free health resources here, from classes and webinars to support groups and medical referrals, plus pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding services.