High-Risk Pregnancy

If you have a high‑risk pregnancy, count on the maternal fetal medicine (MFM) doctors at VHC Health in Arlington and the DC metro. They provide the care you and your baby need. You'll appreciate same‑day urgent visits, longer hours, and telehealth appointments.

A high‑risk pregnancy means you or your baby has a higher chance of health problems. An MFM doctor can check your health, diagnose conditions, and give treatment to help lower those risks.

When Should I See an MFM Doctor?

MFM doctors follow your health during pregnancy to help prevent problems. You may need an MFM doctor if you:

Are a teenager or over age 35
Are pregnant with more than one baby
Develop preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
Have vaginal bleeding or notice your baby is moving less
Have a family history of genetic conditions
Had problems in a past pregnancy
Have a long‑term condition such as diabetes or a thyroid problem
Smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs during pregnancy

Specialty Care for You & Baby

Depending on your needs, your MFM specialist may recommend certain tests, treatments, and services.

Tests

Antenatal testing – Looks for problems in your baby’s growth
Doppler velocimetry – Checks blood flow between the placenta (the organ that feeds your baby) and the womb
First‑trimester nuchal translucency screening – Measures the space behind your baby’s neck to check for signs of Down syndrome or other conditions

Treatments & Services

Preconception counseling – Helps you prepare for a healthy pregnancy
Cerclage placement – Stitches the cervix closed to help prevent early labor
Diabetes care – Helps manage blood sugar during pregnancy
External cephalic version – Moves the baby into a head‑down position
Fetal therapies – Treat certain conditions while your baby is still in the womb

Advanced Imaging

Your doctor may order imaging tests that are safe for your baby. They include:

Fetal ultrasound (sonogram) – Uses sound waves to create pictures of your baby
Fetal echocardiogram – Checks your baby’s heart using ultrasound

These tests do not use radiation. Your doctor will review the results the same day, so you get answers as soon as possible.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling helps you understand your family history of inherited conditions. A certified genetic counselor can explain your risks, describe testing options, and support your decisions during pregnancy. Based on your health, the counselor may suggest:

Cell‑free DNA testing (non‑invasive prenatal screening) – Checks blood cells from the placenta to screen for common genetic changes
Expanded carrier screening – Checks whether you or your partner carry inherited genetic conditions
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) – Tests a small sample of the placenta for genetic disorders
Amniocentesis – Tests the amniotic fluid for genetic disorders

Your Care Team

An MFM doctor leads your care team. You may also see:

Genetic counselors
Nurses trained in maternal–fetal health
Sonographers who capture detailed images of your baby

It's easier for you to get care because we offer same‑day urgent visits and longer open hours. Lean on us for support and answers to your questions.

Hospital Care Before Birth

Your doctor may recommend a hospital stay if you have or could have certain health problems. We'll watch over you closely in a space just for expectant mothers.

The Marjorie Sands Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

As a Level III NICU, we care for infants of all ages and weights. Your baby's care team works with Children's National Hospital. So, your infant has access to pediatric experts and treatments informed by the latest research. U.S. News & World Report named Children's National the country's 12th-best hospital for neonatology in 2025.

More than 100 NICU team members from Children’s National and VHC Health work together for you. Our team includes: