Maternal-fetal medicine and genetics specialists at UT Medical Group have launched a new, comprehensive service for women who have pregnancy complications or who are at increased risk for complications. The Center for High Risk Pregnancies in east Memphis offers a full range of diagnostics and treatment for women with pregnancy complications that may occur prior to conception, during pregnancy, and at delivery.

"Whether the pregnancy is complicated by either medical or obstetrical factors, our physicians and staff are dedicated to helping mothers and their babies obtain the best possible outcome," says Dr. Michael Schneider, the Center's Director. "Our state-of-the-art technology and the medical expertise of our team enable the Center for High Risk Pregnancies to provide a highly advanced level of care that is unique in the Mid-South," Dr. Schneider points out.

"But excellent care requires more than the latest technology and the most current advances in evidenced-based medicine. We also take pride in providing a caring and compassionate environment for our patients and their babies."

Fetal transfusion and surgery is performed by Dr. Giancarlo Mari at Le Bonheur Children's Fetal Center, which is the only one of its kind in the area and one fewer than 20 in the nation. Dr. Mari, who also serves as Director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Institute as well as Interim Chair of the OB/GYN Department, is known for his expertise in fetal ultrasound and has pioneered therapies for conditions such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome and fetal anemia.

Inpatient consultation Services provided to care for your high risk pregnancy due to medical, surgical or obstetrical factors:

  • Special care of medical conditions complicating pregnancy
  • Ultrasound for routine and high risk pregnancies
  • Advanced ultrasound to evaluate fetal problems and anomalies. We use 3D/4D, tomographic imaging and advanced volume rendering.
  • Technically-advanced equipment and facilities help us diagnose your baby's risks for genetic, growth and structural differences.
  • Some babies can be treated with medications or through surgery while still in your uterus.
  • First trimester screening, which has a detection rate of 91% of Down's syndrome pregnancies at a 5% false positive rate, and a detection rate of 98% of Trisomy 18 pregnancies at a 1% false positive rate.
  • Genetic counseling
  • Perinatal outreach program
  • Preconception counseling

We manage medical conditions, including:

  • Care of diabetes during pregnancy
  • Fetal growth restriction
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension
  • Infectious diseases
  • Kidney or gastrointestinal disease
  • Multiple gestation
  • Preeclampsia (toxemia)
  • Preterm labor
  • Recurrent pregnancy loss

Our diagnostic tools include:

  • Amniocentesis
  • Biophysical profiles
  • CVS (chorionic villus sampling)
  • Doppler velocimetry
  • Fetal echocardiography for heart studies
  • First trimester genetic screening
  • Genetic ultrasound
  • Nonstress testing
  • Prenatal diagnostic procedures