About Specialty Maternal-Fetal Medicine Care at UNC - UNC Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

UNC OB-GYN’s maternal-fetal medicine specialty clinics provide comprehensive medical care for women with a variety of high-risk pregnancy conditions

We are a Level IV Hospital for both moms and babies, proud to offer the highest level of specialty services available. N.C. Women’s Hospital – which is within the UNC Hospitals campus in Chapel Hill – has world-class resources to take care of the sickest moms and sickest babies. While many moms and babies who are cared for at UNC have uncomplicated deliveries, we are prepared for those who do not. We care confident that we can care for you and your baby in the most routine and most unexpected moments. All of our obstetrical services – from midwifery to maternal-fetal medicine – approach your care as a team to increase the chances of a healthy mom and a healthy baby.

The Preterm Birth Prevention clinic is one of several specialty clinics offered by the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UNC OB-GYN. This includes specialty clinics and programs for women:

carrying multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, quadruplets) – Dr. Bill Goodnight
whose babies need surgery while in utero during pregnancy (in utero fetal surgery) – Dr. Bill Goodnight
with diabetes – Dr. Kim Boggess
in the 4th trimester (postpartum), providing mental health resources and breastfeeding support) – Dr. Alison Stuebe

Why focus one of the specialty clinics on preterm birth?

It’s common. In the United States, 1 in 8 babies is born preterm.

It’s dangerous. Preterm babies – ‘preemies’ – are born before their organs and systems have time to be completely mature or become functional. Even preemies that receive the best medical care in Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are at risk for long-term problems that can last a lifetime. Preemies that survive are at higher risk of cerebral palsy, developmental delays, behavioral issues, chronic lung disease, deafness and blindness.

It’s expensive. The Institute of Medicine estimates that the combined annual cost of preterm birth in the United States is $26.2 billion, more than $51,000 per infant.

These risks are highest for the earliest preemies. However, all preterm babies are at risk of complications.

We know that consistent, evidence-based care can improve outcomes. There are few interventions supported by evidence, and they don’t work for all women. But, studies suggest that we can improve clinical outcomes if we consistently identify women at highest risk for preterm birth and offer appropriate treatment to prevent or reduce the risks of preterm birth.

Preterm Birth Prevention Clinic • 101 Manning Drive • Chapel Hill, NC 27514