Complex Obstetric Medicine

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 patients with a range of chronic conditions, including:

• Autoimmune issues (such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis)

• Blood conditions (including sickle cell disease and history of clots)

• Complex psychiatric conditions

• Congenital or acquired heart conditions

• Diabetes or other endocrine disorders

• Gastrointestinal conditions (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease)

• History of organ transplantation

• Liver conditions (such as hepatitis and cirrhosis)

• Neurological conditions (including myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis)

• Substance use disorders

• Conditions that develop during pregnancy (such as preeclampsia and fetal concerns)

Specialized care for babies during pregnancy

We care for your baby even before birth. Our experts in fetal treatment, prenatal diagnostics and antenatal testing provide extra monitoring, diagnostics and treatments when needed.

Specialized programs for maternal health conditions

UCSF Health has several programs providing comprehensive, personalized pregnancy care for patients with specific health conditions:

Diabetes & endocrine conditions during pregnancy

The Endocrine, Diabetes & Pregnancy Program (EDAPP) has 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.

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) during pregnancy

People with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) have an increased risk of severe bleeding after birth. Through our Multidisciplinary Approach to the Placenta Service, 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.

Heart conditions during pregnancy

If you are pregnant and have heart disease, turn to our Pregnancy and Cardiac Treatment 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.

Neurologic conditions during pregnancy

The Neuro-Obstetrics Program offers preconception, prenatal and postpartum care for patients with neurologic conditions, including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and autoimmune encephalitis. Patients see both a neuroimmunologist and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in a single, comprehensive visit. When needed, the care team collaborates closely with a network of urologists, physical therapists and social workers who support patients with neurologic conditions.