Originally published in YOUR Williamson —

Williamson Health Medical Group’s maternal-fetal specialists, Chelsea Clinton, M.D., and Michael DeRoche, M.D., often meet patients during one of life’s most stressful seasons: a high-risk pregnancy.

While advancements in technology and treatment have improved outcomes, misconceptions still cloud the conversation around high-risk pregnancies. Drs. Clinton and DeRoche want to help set the record straight.

Misconception 1: All high-risk pregnancies end in bad outcomes

High-risk pregnancies are those in which the mother, baby or both are at increased risk of health complications before, during or after birth due to maternal conditions like hypertension or autoimmune disorders or fetal issues such as growth restriction. While high-risk pregnancies carry an increased chance of complications, most result in healthy moms and babies.

“The label ‘high-risk’ just means closer attention is needed, not inevitable doom,” Dr. Clinton said. “We use advanced monitoring and interventions to manage those risks effectively.” 

Maternal-fetal specialists use various imaging tools—2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasounds, fetal echocardiography, MRIs, and targeted fetal imaging—to monitor and address complications.

Misconception 2: Maternal-fetal care replaces your OB-GYN

Maternal-fetal specialists don’t replace OB-GYNs—they join the care team, collaborating with obstetricians, genetic counselors and other providers.

“We help support your obstetrician,” Dr. DeRoche said. “If they have a patient with a complicated pregnancy that they need help with, we come alongside them to help navigate, monitor and mitigate those risks.”

Board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine, Drs. Clinton and DeRoche develop customized care plans for patients referred by OB-GYNs throughout the region, even if the mothers don’t plan to deliver at Williamson Medical Center. These care plans often include cutting-edge tools like Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing and fetal DNA analysis for early chromosomal screening, as well as advanced imaging and even fetal surgery.

“Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just the condition,” Dr. Clinton said. “It’s a tightrope walk between science and empathy, and we lean on both to keep patients steady.”

Misconception 3: High-risk pregnancies automatically mean bed rest and C-sections

“Bed rest used to be the go-to recommendation, but evidence has shifted,” Dr. Clinton said. Today, care is more personalized—rest and activity are tailored to each patient’s needs.

Not all high-risk pregnancies require a C-section either.

“Maternal-fetal medicine aims for the safest route, not a one-size-fits-all approach,” Dr. Clinton said.

As Drs. Clinton and DeRoche walk alongside families throughout a high-risk pregnancy, they seek to provide the highest level of care and the most advanced treatment options—with a healthy dose of compassion.

“Sometimes, we help patients get through a really rough time in their life,” Dr. DeRoche said, “and I find that those are the most grateful patients I see. I can’t wait to see them in a future pregnancy.”

Your Partner in Complex Women’s Health

In addition to helping women and families navigate high-risk pregnancies, Williamson Health Medical Group’s maternal-fetal specialists also provide imaging services for women with gynecological issues not related to pregnancy. Some of those conditions include cancer, cervical issues, and endometrial, pelvic and ovarian masses.

Dealing with a high-risk pregnancy or need advanced gynecological imaging? Talk to your OB-GYN about a referral to Williamson Health Medical Group’s maternal-fetal specialists who come alongside your existing care team to provide exceptional care close to home. Learn more by clicking here.