Pregnancy & High Risk Issues The Pregnancy Institute The Pregnancy Institute, Inc., is a non-profit organization created to study normal pregnancies. It is designed to promote the likelihood of healthier pregnancies resulting in well monitored, full-term live births. Jason Collins MD., OB/GYN is the Founder and President of The Pregnancy Institute and is a clinician who has researched the causes of stillbirth for close to 20 years. He is a remarkable man, who's life cause is prevention and awareness of stillbirth. He is a true advocate for moms and their babies, helping them to achieve positive outcomes. Bereaved moms find that he provides the answers to difficult "How" and "Why" questions that many will not answer. Bereaved moms who are in a subsequent pregnancy are encouraged to call for assistance. The Pregnancy Institute can provide services to monitor the baby in the third trimester at the mother's own home, helping with ease of mind, and prevention of another stillbirth. American Association of Pro-Life Gynecologists A pro-life organization of physicians who specialize in gynecology. The website allows you to locate physicians in your area. American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) This website allows you to verify the board certification, status, and location of physicians certified by one or more of the 24 member boards of the ABMS. DES Action USA DES (diethylstilbestrol) is a synthetic estrogen drug that was given to millions of pregnant women primarily from 1938-1971. Use of DES during pregnancy was thought to prevent miscarriage and ensure a healthy pregnancy. DES did not work, and women who took DES and the children they carried are at risk for certain health problems and may need special care. Find out if you were exposed to DES and if you were, tell your doctor. The HER Foundation A non-profit foundation dedicated to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) research and education, and to supporting those who are suffering from HG or have survived it. The Pre-Eclampsia site Here you will find information about Pre-eclampsia, Eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. This is a personal site, with personal stories, pregnancy diaries, special babies, a very supportive email discussion group and much more. Many helpful links are provided. Sidelines Provides nationwide support for women and their families experiencing complicated pregnancies. A pregnancy is termed "high risk" or "complicated" when the life or health of the mother or baby may be at risk. It is estimated that approximately 1 out of every 4 women will experience pregnancy complications this year, sometimes leading to the birth of a premature baby. When babies are born preterm, they have a higher risk for serious health problems. We believe that families can cope more successfully with a high-risk pregnancy with appropriate medical intervention, education, and a strong support system. Vasa Previa Foundation Vasa previa is a rarely (1:3000) reported condition in which fetal blood vessel(s) from the placenta or umbilical cord crosses the entrance to the birth canal, beneath the baby. The condition has a high fetal mortality rate (50-90%). This can be attributed to rapid fetal exsanguination resulting from the vessels tearing when the cervix dilates, membranes rupture or if the vessels become pinched off as they are compressed between the baby and the walls of the birth canal.