Dr. Angela D. Earhart, MD

Dr. Angela D. Earhart Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Angela D. Earhart is a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist and obstetrician-gynecologist providing advanced care for high-risk pregnancies. She works with patients whose pregnancies require closer monitoring because of a maternal medical condition, fetal concern, abnormal prenatal test, multiple pregnancy, or previous obstetric complication.

Her clinical services include maternal-fetal medicine consultations, pregnancy co-management, advanced obstetric ultrasound, fetal echocardiography, prenatal screening, fetal growth assessment, diabetes support, genetic counselling coordination, and antenatal fetal surveillance.

Dr. Earhart founded Perinatal Medical Group in 2012. The practice works alongside patients’ regular obstetricians to provide focused assessment and monitoring without unnecessarily replacing routine prenatal care.

Patients comparing high-risk pregnancy physicians may also read about Dr. Karolina Adam’s maternal-fetal medicine care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Angela Dawn Earhart, MD, FACOG
Specialty: Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Additional Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Board Certification: Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Medical Degree Completed: 2002
Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Strong Memorial Hospital at the University of Rochester
Residency Completed: 2006
Fellowship: Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch
Fellowship Completed: 2009
Practice: Perinatal Medical Group
Practice Founded: 2012
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
NPI Number: 1326120734
Hospital Affiliations: Public profiles list HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood and Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital
Accepting New Patients: Current availability should be confirmed with the practice

Her specialty, training history, languages, NPI, and current practice information are reported by hospital, health-system, and national provider records.

About Dr. Angela D. Earhart

Dr. Earhart earned her medical degree from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston in 2002. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester in 2006.

She then pursued advanced fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch, completing that training in 2009. Maternal-fetal medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics focused on pregnancies involving medical, obstetric, genetic, placental, or fetal complications.

In 2012, Dr. Earhart founded Perinatal Medical Group. The practice reports providing maternal-fetal medicine consultations, advanced ultrasound examinations, genetic screening support, diabetes education, nutritional counselling, and collaborative management with referring obstetricians.

Her role may range from providing a single specialist opinion to participating in continuing care throughout pregnancy. The level of involvement depends on the condition, pregnancy stage, test results, and needs of the patient and developing baby.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Care

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists care for pregnancies in which the patient, fetus, or both may face an increased risk of complications.

Dr. Earhart may become involved when:

• The patient has a significant medical condition
• A complication develops during pregnancy
• A prenatal screening result requires specialist review
• An ultrasound identifies a possible fetal concern
• The patient is carrying twins or higher-order multiples
• Fetal growth is slower or faster than expected
• There is a history of premature birth
• A previous pregnancy involved preeclampsia or another serious complication
• The patient needs advanced fetal surveillance
• Delivery requires coordinated planning

Referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist does not necessarily mean a serious outcome is expected. It usually means that additional expertise, testing, or monitoring may help clarify risk and guide safer care.

High-Risk Pregnancy Consultation

A high-risk pregnancy consultation begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, previous pregnancies, current symptoms, medication, laboratory results, and ultrasound findings.

Dr. Earhart may assess pregnancies involving:

• Chronic high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Autoimmune conditions
• Blood-clotting disorders
• Multiple pregnancy
• Previous premature delivery
• Previous fetal growth restriction
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Placental abnormalities
• Suspected fetal conditions
• Pregnancy at an advanced maternal age
• Medication exposure during pregnancy

The consultation may result in recommendations for additional testing, medication changes, ultrasound monitoring, nutrition support, fetal surveillance, or coordination with another specialist.

Co-Management With an Obstetrician

Maternal-fetal medicine care often takes place alongside the patient’s regular obstetrician.

Dr. Earhart’s practice specifically lists consultation and co-management services for referring OB-GYN physicians. This model allows the regular obstetrician to continue routine prenatal care while Dr. Earhart focuses on the identified maternal or fetal concern.

Co-management may involve:

• A one-time specialist consultation
• Review of medication during pregnancy
• Advanced ultrasound interpretation
• Recommendations for laboratory testing
• Ongoing fetal growth monitoring
• Blood pressure or diabetes management
• Antenatal fetal surveillance
• Delivery-timing recommendations
• Coordination with hospital specialists

Clear communication between the maternal-fetal medicine specialist and primary obstetrician helps prevent duplicated testing and inconsistent instructions.

Patients seeking routine pregnancy and gynecological care may also review Dr. Shannon L. Hardy’s OB-GYN profile.

Advanced Obstetric Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the fetus, placenta, cervix, uterus, and amniotic fluid.

Perinatal Medical Group lists routine and advanced ultrasound services, including viability scans, first-trimester examinations, anatomy studies, detailed Level II ultrasound, cervical-length screening, fetal growth ultrasound, Doppler assessment, and antenatal fetal surveillance.

An advanced ultrasound may be recommended to:

• Confirm fetal viability
• Establish or review gestational age
• Examine fetal anatomy
• Assess fetal growth
• Measure amniotic fluid
• Review placental location
• Measure cervical length
• Investigate an abnormal screening result
• Monitor a multiple pregnancy
• Assess fetal blood-flow patterns
• Guide delivery planning

Ultrasound findings must be interpreted in the context of gestational age, medical history, laboratory results, and previous imaging.

First-Trimester Assessment

The first trimester is an important period for confirming the pregnancy’s location, number of fetuses, viability, and estimated gestational age.

A first-trimester assessment may include:

• Confirmation of fetal heartbeat
• Measurement of fetal size
• Evaluation of pregnancy dating
• Identification of twins or multiples
• Assessment of placental development
• Review of the uterus and ovaries
• Early genetic-screening discussions
• Evaluation of bleeding or pain when present

In a multiple pregnancy, early ultrasound can also help determine whether the babies share a placenta or amniotic sac. This information influences the recommended monitoring schedule.

Detailed Anatomy Ultrasound

A detailed fetal anatomy examination is often performed during the middle of pregnancy.

The examination may assess:

• Brain and skull
• Face
• Spine
• Heart
• Chest
• Stomach and abdominal wall
• Kidneys and bladder
• Arms and legs
• Placenta
• Umbilical cord
• Amniotic fluid
• Cervix

A finding on ultrasound does not always confirm that a fetal condition is present. Some findings are temporary, represent normal variation, or need further evaluation.

Dr. Earhart may recommend repeat imaging, genetic counselling, fetal echocardiography, diagnostic testing, or consultation with a pediatric specialist when additional information is needed.

Fetal Echocardiography

Fetal echocardiography is a focused ultrasound examination of the developing baby’s heart.

Perinatal Medical Group lists fetal echocardiography among its advanced imaging services.

It may be recommended when:

• A routine ultrasound suggests a heart concern
• The patient has pre-existing diabetes
• There is a family history of congenital heart disease
• A genetic or chromosomal condition is suspected
• The fetal heart rhythm appears unusual
• Certain medication exposures occurred
• Another fetal abnormality has been identified
• The pregnancy involves specific maternal antibodies or medical conditions

The examination assesses heart structure, rhythm, blood flow, and function. Some heart conditions can be identified before birth, while others may not become clear until later pregnancy or after delivery.

Prenatal Genetic Screening

Prenatal screening estimates the likelihood of certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. It does not usually provide a definite diagnosis.

Perinatal Medical Group lists non-invasive prenatal testing, carrier screening, pre-test counselling, post-test counselling, result interpretation, prenatal diagnosis, and care coordination among its services.

Screening options may include:

• Cell-free DNA screening
• First-trimester screening
• Carrier screening
• Maternal serum screening
• Ultrasound markers
• Review of family history

The most suitable test depends on gestational age, previous pregnancy history, ultrasound findings, family history, and personal preferences.

Patients should understand what a screening can detect, what it cannot rule out, and whether an abnormal result needs diagnostic confirmation.

Prenatal Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic testing may be considered when screening results, ultrasound findings, family history, or a previous pregnancy indicate an increased likelihood of a genetic condition.

Options may include:

• Chorionic villus sampling
• Amniocentesis
• Chromosome analysis
• Chromosomal microarray
• Targeted genetic testing
• Additional fetal imaging

Diagnostic procedures provide more definite information than screening, but they also involve medical considerations that should be discussed carefully.

Dr. Earhart may help patients understand:

• Why testing is being offered
• Which conditions it may detect
• Its limitations
• Procedure timing
• Possible risks
• How the result could affect pregnancy management
• Whether genetic counselling would be useful

The decision to proceed belongs to the patient after receiving clear and balanced information.

Fetal Growth Monitoring

A baby may measure smaller or larger than expected for gestational age. Serial ultrasound examinations can help determine whether the pattern reflects normal variation or a medical concern.

Growth assessment may include:

• Measurement of the head
• Measurement of the abdomen
• Measurement of the thigh bone
• Estimated fetal weight
• Amniotic-fluid assessment
• Placental review
• Umbilical artery Doppler testing
• Comparison with previous examinations

A single estimated weight does not provide the whole picture. The pattern of growth over time is often more informative.

Fetal Growth Restriction

Fetal growth restriction means the baby is not growing as expected and may be at increased risk of pregnancy or newborn complications.

Possible contributing factors include:

• Placental dysfunction
• High blood pressure
• Preeclampsia
• Maternal medical illness
• Infection
• Genetic conditions
• Tobacco exposure
• Multiple pregnancy
• Umbilical-cord abnormalities

Monitoring may involve repeat growth scans, Doppler studies, nonstress testing, biophysical profiles, and review of fetal movement.

The timing of delivery depends on gestational age, growth pattern, blood-flow findings, fetal testing, and the patient’s health.

Doppler Assessment

Doppler ultrasound evaluates blood flow within selected maternal or fetal blood vessels. Perinatal Medical Group lists Doppler assessment among its advanced ultrasound services.

It may be used to assess:

• Placental resistance
• Umbilical-cord blood flow
• Fetal circulation
• Selected anemia risks
• Fetal growth restriction
• Multiple-pregnancy complications

Abnormal Doppler findings may lead to more frequent surveillance or changes in delivery planning.

Multiple Pregnancy Care

Pregnancies involving twins or other multiples generally need more monitoring than pregnancies involving one baby.

Potential concerns include:

• Premature delivery
• Unequal fetal growth
• High blood pressure
• Gestational diabetes
• Placental complications
• Abnormal amniotic-fluid levels
• Increased nutritional requirements
• Delivery complications

The monitoring schedule depends partly on whether the babies share a placenta or amniotic sac.

Dr. Earhart may provide ultrasound surveillance, cervical assessment, growth monitoring, maternal medical management, and delivery recommendations.

Gestational Diabetes Care

Gestational diabetes develops when blood sugar becomes elevated during pregnancy.

Perinatal Medical Group provides diabetes and nutritional support, including individual medical nutrition counselling, glucose and diet monitoring, meal planning, diabetes education, and insulin-administration education.

Care may involve:

• Home glucose monitoring
• Review of fasting and after-meal readings
• Nutrition planning
• Safe physical activity
• Medication or insulin when needed
• Fetal growth assessment
• Amniotic-fluid monitoring
• Antenatal testing
• Delivery-timing discussions
• Postpartum glucose follow-up

The goal is to reduce the risks associated with persistently high blood sugar while ensuring the patient receives adequate nutrition during pregnancy.

Pre-Existing Diabetes During Pregnancy

Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may benefit from maternal-fetal medicine care before conception or early in pregnancy.

Management may include:

• Reviewing A1C and glucose patterns
• Adjusting medication
• Insulin planning
• Continuous glucose monitor review
• Kidney and eye-health assessment
• Fetal echocardiography
• Serial growth ultrasound
• Antenatal testing
• Delivery planning

Blood sugar needs can change throughout pregnancy. Frequent review may be necessary to balance high-glucose and low-glucose risks.

High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia

High blood pressure during pregnancy may be chronic, gestational, or part of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia involves elevated blood pressure with signs that organs or the placenta may be affected.

Dr. Earhart may help manage:

• Chronic hypertension
• Gestational hypertension
• Previous preeclampsia
• Increased preeclampsia risk
• Preeclampsia without severe features
• Severe preeclampsia
• Fetal growth concerns associated with hypertension

Care may include blood-pressure medication, laboratory testing, urine-protein assessment, ultrasound, fetal surveillance, and decisions about delivery timing.

The balance between continuing pregnancy and delivering early depends on maternal health, fetal condition, gestational age, and severity of disease.

Preterm Birth Risk

Birth before 37 weeks is considered premature.

Factors that may increase risk include:

• Previous premature birth
• Short cervix
• Multiple pregnancy
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities
• Infection
• Placental bleeding
• Certain maternal medical conditions

Dr. Earhart’s practice lists cervical-length screening as one of its ultrasound services.

Depending on the findings, care may involve closer monitoring, medication, cervical cerclage assessment, hospital evaluation, or preparation for possible early delivery.

Cervical-Length Screening

The cervix normally remains closed during most of pregnancy. A shortened cervix may be associated with an increased risk of premature birth.

Cervical length is usually measured through ultrasound when clinically appropriate.

Screening may be considered for patients with:

• Previous spontaneous premature birth
• Previous cervical procedures
• Suspected cervical shortening
• Multiple pregnancy in selected circumstances
• Symptoms suggesting early labour
• A uterine or cervical abnormality

The result is interpreted together with gestational age, symptoms, and pregnancy history.

Placental Conditions

Placental location and function can influence fetal growth, bleeding risk, and delivery planning.

Dr. Earhart may evaluate:

• Placenta previa
• Low-lying placenta
• Placental abruption
• Placenta accreta spectrum
• Poor placental function
• Placental abnormalities
• Bleeding during pregnancy

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta lies close to or covers the cervical opening.

Placenta accreta spectrum occurs when the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall. It may require planned delivery at a hospital with specialised surgical, anaesthesia, blood-bank, and critical-care resources.

Antenatal Fetal Surveillance

Antenatal surveillance assesses fetal well-being during pregnancies with certain medical or obstetric risks.

Perinatal Medical Group lists antenatal fetal surveillance as part of its services.

Testing may include:

• Nonstress testing
• Biophysical profile
• Amniotic-fluid assessment
• Fetal movement review
• Doppler testing
• Repeat growth ultrasound

The recommended starting time and frequency depend on the pregnancy condition, gestational age, and previous results.

Maternal Medical Conditions

Pregnancy can affect existing medical conditions, and those conditions can also influence pregnancy.

Dr. Earhart may coordinate care for patients with:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• Neurological conditions
• Blood-clotting disorders
• Respiratory disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic high blood pressure
• Other complex medical needs

Treatment may involve cooperation with cardiologists, endocrinologists, kidney specialists, neurologists, anaesthesiologists, and the patient’s primary obstetrician.

Medication should not be stopped simply because pregnancy has begun. Some medicines require adjustment, while stopping others can create greater risk.

Medication Review During Pregnancy

Medication decisions during pregnancy require consideration of the patient’s condition, available safety evidence, dosage, pregnancy stage, and the risks of leaving an illness untreated.

A maternal-fetal medicine consultation may review:

• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter products
• Vitamins
• Herbal products
• Supplements
• Previous medication reactions
• Treatments used in earlier pregnancies

Patients should provide accurate information about everything they use, including occasional products.

Any change should be coordinated with the prescribing physician.

Delivery Planning

Some high-risk pregnancies require a clear delivery plan before labour begins.

Planning may address:

• Recommended hospital
• Timing of delivery
• Need for induction
• Vaginal or cesarean delivery
• Maternal monitoring
• Continuous fetal monitoring
• Anaesthesia consultation
• Neonatal intensive care availability
• Pediatric specialist participation
• Blood-product preparation
• Postpartum monitoring

The plan may change when maternal symptoms, fetal testing, labour progress, or imaging findings change.

Inpatient Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consultation

Perinatal Medical Group lists inpatient consultations among its services.

An inpatient consultation may be requested when a pregnant patient is admitted for:

• High blood pressure
• Bleeding
• Early contractions
• Ruptured membranes
• Diabetes complications
• Abnormal fetal testing
• Reduced fetal growth
• Maternal illness
• Fetal abnormality
• Another complex pregnancy concern

Dr. Earhart may review the condition, recommend testing, advise about medication, participate in surveillance, and assist with delivery planning.

Telehealth Consultations

Perinatal Medical Group lists telehealth maternal-fetal medicine consultations as an available service.

A virtual consultation may be useful for:

• Reviewing medical history
• Discussing pregnancy risks
• Medication counselling
• Reviewing glucose records
• Explaining test results
• Coordinating care with an obstetrician
• Follow-up after an earlier assessment

Ultrasound, physical examination, blood-pressure assessment, fetal monitoring, and procedures still require an appropriate in-person setting.

Preparing for an Appointment

Perinatal Medical Group asks patients to bring photo identification, an insurance card, a medication list, and relevant medical records.

Patients may also benefit from bringing:

• Prenatal records
• Previous pregnancy records
• Ultrasound reports
• Laboratory results
• Genetic-screening results
• Hospital discharge documents
• Blood-pressure readings
• Blood glucose records
• Family medical history
• A list of questions

Patients should include prescription medicine, non-prescription products, vitamins, and supplements on the medication list.

What to Expect During an Ultrasound Visit

The practice reports that ultrasound examinations are performed in private rooms by advanced sonographers, with space for one adult guest.

The visit may involve:

• Confirming medical and pregnancy history
• Reviewing the reason for referral
• Performing the ultrasound
• Measuring relevant fetal and maternal structures
• Reviewing images with the specialist
• Discussing findings
• Recommending follow-up when needed
• Sending a report to the referring physician

Some examinations take longer when the baby’s position makes specific views difficult or when a detailed assessment is required.

Patient-Centered High-Risk Pregnancy Care

Dr. Earhart provides specialist pregnancy care based on the patient’s medical history, previous pregnancies, current symptoms, ultrasound findings, laboratory results, and personal concerns.

Her services include high-risk pregnancy consultation, co-management with obstetricians, advanced ultrasound, fetal echocardiography, prenatal screening, fetal growth monitoring, diabetes and nutrition support, genetic counselling coordination, and antenatal surveillance.

Patients should confirm appointment availability, insurance participation, referral requirements, hospital affiliations, language services, and telehealth eligibility directly with Perinatal Medical Group.