Dr. Karolina Adam, MD

Dr. Karolina Adam, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Karolina Adam is a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist and obstetrician-gynecologist who provides advanced care for high-risk pregnancies. She works with patients whose pregnancies require closer observation because of a maternal health condition, fetal concern, multiple pregnancy, previous complication, or abnormal prenatal test result.

Her clinical interests include high-risk obstetric care, prenatal ultrasound, pregnancies involving twins or other multiples, maternal cardiovascular disease, prenatal diagnosis, and vaginal birth after a previous cesarean delivery.

Dr. Adam combines specialist pregnancy care with extensive clinical, academic, and research experience. She works closely with obstetricians, cardiologists, neonatologists, genetic counselors, pediatric specialists, and other healthcare professionals when a pregnancy involves complex medical needs.

Patients comparing women’s health specialists can also read about Dr. Shannon L. Hardy’s obstetric and gynecological care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Karolina Adam, MD
Specialty: Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Additional Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Board Certifications: Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology
Medical School: Medical College of Pennsylvania
Internship: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine
Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine
Fellowship: Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
Academic Role: Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
Clinical Interests: High-risk pregnancy, prenatal ultrasound, multiple pregnancy, maternal cardiovascular disease, prenatal diagnosis, and vaginal birth after cesarean delivery
Languages Spoken: Patients should confirm available language services with the practice
Accepting New Patients: Current availability should be confirmed directly with the practice

About Dr. Karolina Adam

Dr. Adam earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1983. She then completed an internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine.

After residency, she remained at Baylor College of Medicine for advanced fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine. This subspecialty focuses on pregnancies affected by significant maternal health conditions, fetal abnormalities, pregnancy complications, or an increased risk of early delivery.

Dr. Adam has several decades of experience caring for patients with complex pregnancies. Her work combines prenatal evaluation, maternal medical management, fetal monitoring, ultrasound interpretation, delivery planning, and coordination with other specialists.

She also holds an academic appointment as an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology. Her research interests have included fetal diagnosis, maternal heart disease during pregnancy, multiple gestation, and other areas of high-risk obstetric care.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Care

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists, sometimes called perinatologists, complete additional training after an obstetrics and gynecology residency. They focus on protecting the health of both the pregnant patient and developing baby when a pregnancy carries additional risk.

Dr. Adam may become involved in care when:

• A maternal medical condition could affect pregnancy
• A prenatal test identifies a possible fetal concern
• The patient is carrying twins or higher-order multiples
• A previous pregnancy involved serious complications
• Fetal growth is slower or faster than expected
• There is a risk of premature delivery
• High blood pressure develops during pregnancy
• Diabetes complicates pregnancy
• The patient has a heart condition
• An ultrasound finding needs specialist review
• Delivery requires detailed planning

Some patients see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for one consultation. Others need regular specialist appointments throughout pregnancy.

High-Risk Pregnancy Evaluation

A pregnancy may be considered high risk because of the patient’s medical history, current health, age, pregnancy history, fetal development, or a complication that appears during prenatal care.

Dr. Adam may evaluate pregnancies affected by:

• Chronic high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune conditions
• Thyroid disorders
• Blood-clotting conditions
• Multiple gestation
• Previous premature birth
• Previous preeclampsia
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Abnormal fetal growth
• Placental complications
• Suspected fetal abnormalities
• Pregnancy at an advanced maternal age

Being referred for high-risk pregnancy care does not necessarily mean that a serious problem will occur. It means that additional testing, observation, or specialist planning may help lower risk and guide treatment.

Maternal Heart Disease During Pregnancy

Pregnancy places additional demands on the heart and circulatory system. Blood volume rises, heart rate may increase, and the heart must work harder to support both the patient and developing baby.

Dr. Adam has a clinical and research interest in maternal cardiovascular disease. She may work with patients who have:

• Congenital heart disease
• Heart valve disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Previous heart surgery
• Aortic disease
• High blood pressure
• A history of heart failure
• Other cardiovascular concerns

Care may begin before conception when possible. Pre-pregnancy counselling can help patients understand how a heart condition may affect pregnancy and whether medication changes or additional testing are needed.

During pregnancy, Dr. Adam may coordinate care with cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, obstetricians, and hospital specialists. Delivery planning may include decisions about timing, location, monitoring, pain management, and postpartum observation.

Multiple Pregnancy Care

Pregnancies involving twins, triplets, or other multiples generally require closer monitoring than singleton pregnancies.

Possible concerns include:

• Premature delivery
• Unequal fetal growth
• High blood pressure
• Gestational diabetes
• Placental complications
• Increased nutritional needs
• Abnormal amniotic fluid levels
• Delivery complications
• Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in selected twin pregnancies

The monitoring schedule depends partly on whether the babies share a placenta or amniotic sac. Ultrasound can help determine placental arrangement, monitor growth, measure fluid, and assess fetal well-being.

Dr. Adam may also help patients understand delivery timing and whether vaginal or cesarean delivery is likely to be recommended.

Prenatal Ultrasound

Prenatal ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the fetus, placenta, uterus, cervix, and amniotic fluid.

Dr. Adam’s clinical interests include advanced obstetric ultrasound. A specialist ultrasound may be recommended to:

• Confirm gestational age
• Assess fetal growth
• Examine fetal anatomy
• Evaluate placental location
• Measure amniotic fluid
• Assess the cervix
• Monitor twins or other multiples
• Investigate an abnormal screening result
• Examine a suspected fetal condition
• Guide selected diagnostic procedures

An ultrasound finding does not always confirm a diagnosis. Some findings require follow-up imaging, genetic testing, fetal echocardiography, or consultation with a pediatric specialist.

Detailed Fetal Anatomy Assessment

A detailed anatomy ultrasound examines the developing baby’s major structures. This may include the brain, spine, face, heart, chest, abdomen, kidneys, limbs, placenta, and umbilical cord.

A specialist examination may be especially helpful when:

• A screening test suggests increased risk
• A previous pregnancy involved a fetal condition
• A family history raises concern
• The patient has diabetes or another medical condition
• Medication exposure requires assessment
• A routine ultrasound was incomplete
• Fetal growth is abnormal
• Multiple babies are present

Some abnormalities can be clearly identified before birth, while others may remain uncertain. Dr. Adam can explain what was seen, what further testing may clarify, and how the result could affect pregnancy or delivery planning.

Prenatal Diagnosis

Prenatal diagnosis includes tests used to identify or better understand genetic, chromosomal, structural, or developmental conditions before birth.

Testing options may include:

• Detailed ultrasound
• Cell-free DNA screening
• Carrier screening
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Amniocentesis
• Fetal echocardiography
• Chromosome analysis
• Genetic testing
• Consultation with a genetic counselor

Screening tests estimate risk but do not usually confirm a diagnosis. Diagnostic procedures can provide more definite information, although they may involve additional considerations and risks.

Dr. Adam can help patients understand what a test can detect, its limitations, how results are interpreted, and whether the information may change pregnancy management.

Fetal Growth Concerns

Some babies measure smaller or larger than expected for their gestational age.

Restricted fetal growth may be connected with placental function, high blood pressure, infection, genetic conditions, maternal illness, tobacco exposure, or other factors. In some cases, a baby is naturally small without having a medical problem.

Monitoring may include:

• Repeat growth ultrasounds
• Amniotic fluid measurement
• Umbilical artery Doppler testing
• Nonstress testing
• Biophysical profiles
• Maternal blood pressure monitoring
• Review of fetal movement
• Delivery planning

The frequency of testing depends on the severity of the growth concern, gestational age, blood-flow findings, and other pregnancy conditions.

Babies measuring larger than expected may also need closer assessment, particularly when diabetes is present.

High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia

High blood pressure during pregnancy can develop before conception, early in pregnancy, or after 20 weeks.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure and signs that organs such as the kidneys, liver, brain, blood, or placenta may be affected.

Dr. Adam may help manage:

• Chronic hypertension
• Gestational hypertension
• Preeclampsia
• Severe preeclampsia
• Previous preeclampsia
• High risk of recurrent hypertension
• Fetal growth concerns related to blood pressure

Care may involve medication, blood and urine testing, fetal monitoring, ultrasound, and decisions about delivery timing.

The goal is to continue pregnancy safely when possible while recognising when delivery becomes the safer option.

Diabetes During Pregnancy

Diabetes can affect fetal growth, amniotic fluid, placental function, delivery planning, and the patient’s health.

Dr. Adam may help care for patients with:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Diabetes complications
• Difficulty maintaining target glucose levels

Management may include:

• Blood sugar monitoring
• Nutrition planning
• Medication or insulin review
• Fetal growth ultrasounds
• Antenatal testing
• Delivery timing discussions
• Postpartum glucose follow-up

Blood sugar targets and treatment plans are personalised. Some patients can manage gestational diabetes through nutrition and activity, while others need medication or insulin.

Preterm Birth Risk

A birth occurring before 37 weeks is considered premature. A history of early delivery, short cervix, multiple pregnancy, uterine abnormality, infection, or another pregnancy complication may increase risk.

Dr. Adam may assess preterm birth risk through:

• Pregnancy history
• Cervical-length ultrasound
• Review of contractions or symptoms
• Examination when appropriate
• Laboratory testing
• Fetal monitoring

Depending on the situation, care may involve medication, increased monitoring, cervical cerclage, hospital assessment, or preparation for possible early birth.

The treatment plan depends on gestational age, cervical findings, symptoms, pregnancy history, and fetal condition.

Placental Conditions

The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby. Its location, attachment, and function can significantly affect pregnancy care.

Dr. Adam may evaluate:

• Placenta previa
• Placental abruption
• Placenta accreta spectrum
• Poor placental function
• Placental abnormalities
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Fetal growth problems linked to the placenta

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta lies close to or covers the cervical opening. Placenta accreta spectrum involves abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall.

These conditions may require detailed imaging, specialist consultation, careful delivery timing, and treatment at a hospital prepared for complex obstetric care.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery

Dr. Adam’s stated clinical interests include vaginal delivery after a previous cesarean birth, often called VBAC.

Some patients may be candidates for a trial of labour after cesarean delivery. Suitability depends on factors including:

• Type of previous uterine incision
• Reason for the earlier cesarean
• Number of previous cesarean deliveries
• Other uterine surgery
• Current pregnancy complications
• Fetal position
• Placental location
• Hospital resources
• Patient preferences

VBAC can help some patients avoid another abdominal operation, but it also carries risks that should be reviewed carefully.

Dr. Adam can help patients compare planned repeat cesarean delivery with a trial of labour and understand how their individual history affects the decision.

Delivery Planning

Complex pregnancies often benefit from a clear delivery plan before labour begins.

Planning may include:

• Recommended delivery hospital
• Expected timing of delivery
• Vaginal or cesarean delivery
• Need for induction
• Maternal monitoring
• Fetal monitoring
• Anaesthesia consultation
• Blood-product preparation
• Neonatal intensive care availability
• Pediatric specialist involvement
• Postpartum observation

Plans may change if the patient’s condition, fetal health, labour progress, or test results change.

Coordinated planning helps ensure that the required maternal and newborn specialists are available when needed.

Patients looking for broader pregnancy and gynecological care may also review Dr. Jihad M. Harmouche’s OB-GYN profile.

Co-Management With an Obstetrician

A maternal-fetal medicine specialist often works alongside the patient’s regular obstetrician rather than replacing them.

Dr. Adam may provide:

• A one-time specialist opinion
• Ultrasound interpretation
• Recommendations for additional testing
• Medication guidance
• Ongoing high-risk monitoring
• Shared pregnancy management
• Delivery planning
• Hospital consultation

The regular obstetrician may continue routine prenatal appointments while Dr. Adam focuses on the identified complication.

Clear communication between physicians helps keep testing, medication, and delivery plans consistent.

Preparing for an Appointment

Patients can prepare for a maternal-fetal medicine appointment by bringing:

• Prenatal records
• Previous pregnancy records
• Ultrasound reports
• Laboratory and genetic test results
• A current medication list
• Details of medical conditions
• Surgical history
• Family medical history
• Blood pressure or glucose records
• Questions about the pregnancy

Patients should include prescription medication, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements on their medication list.

It may also help to write down the main questions before the visit, especially when discussing an unexpected ultrasound or screening result.

Patient-Centered High-Risk Pregnancy Care

Dr. Adam provides specialist care for pregnancies affected by maternal illness, fetal concerns, multiple gestation, abnormal testing, or previous obstetric complications.

Her approach may include advanced ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis, maternal medical management, fetal monitoring, counselling, and coordinated delivery planning.

Each recommendation is based on the patient’s medical history, pregnancy stage, test results, fetal condition, and personal preferences. Patients should confirm appointment availability, accepted insurance plans, referral requirements, and available clinical services directly with the practice.