Get advanced care for high-risk pregnancy

OB-GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists at Ascension Illinois deliver specialty care for high-risk pregnancy. Your dedicated team of doctors, nurses and other care team members will work together to provide personalized care that’s right for you and your baby.

We’re here to listen, answer questions, and provide the care and support you need. Together with you, your OB-GYN, MFM and care team monitor your health and your baby’s health throughout your pregnancy and delivery.

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists

MFM specialists are board-certified OB-GYNs with expertise in diagnosing and managing high-risk pregnancies. These highly experienced specialists have two to three years of additional education and clinical training. From preconception to delivery, your MFM specialist listens to understand you and collaborates with your OB-GYN as a team. Talk to your doctor about getting a referral to a MFM specialist during your pregnancy if:

• You have certain health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease
• You have high blood pressure (preeclampsia) or gestational diabetes
• You have a history of pregnancy loss or preterm birth
• You are pregnant with more than one baby
• Your baby has been diagnosed with a genetic condition

If you receive a high-risk pregnancy diagnosis, we connect the dots and deliver support every step of the way. You’ll be cared for by a skilled multispecialty team that may include neonatologists and genetic counselors. Pediatric specialists may also be a part of your baby’s care team to deliver personalized care for your baby from the start.

Connected to advanced newborn care

Not every pregnancy requires advanced care, but if you do, have the peace of mind knowing that you are connected to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care at Ascension Illinois.

Level II birthing centers provide advanced care for babies 32 weeks/1,500 grams and up. They're also equipped to handle moderate risk factors.

• Aurora: Ascension Mercy

Level IIE birthing centers offer all the care capabilities as Level II, but with extended neonatal care. It can also care for babies 30 weeks/1,250 grams and up.

• Chicago (Norwood Park): Ascension Resurrection
• Chicago (Wicker Park): Ascension Saint Mary - Chicago
• Elk Grove Village: Ascension Alexian Brothers
• Joliet: Ascension Saint Joseph - Joliet
• Kankakee: Ascension Saint Mary - Kankakee

Level III birthing centers — the highest designation in the state of Illinois — have a NICU and antepartum unit, which offer the highest level of perinatal care for babies and mothers with highly complex needs requiring different types of specialized care.

• Chicago (Lincoln Park): Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago
• Hoffman Estates: Ascension Saint Alexius Women & Children’s Hospital

Financial assistance and support is available

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Talk with our financial assistant as a first step, if you have questions.