Multidisciplinary Cardio-Obstetrics Program at UPMC
May 6, 2025
The Cardio-Obstetrics Program at UPMC provides comprehensive care to people of childbearing age who have or are at risk of having heart disease. Our goal is to optimize cardiac health during pregnancy, at the time of delivery, and in the postpartum period.
Our team consists of physicians across multiple specialties, including cardiology, adult congenital heart disease, obstetrics, maternal fetal medicine, anesthesiology, critical care medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, neonatology, fertility and reproductive endocrinology, family medicine, primary care, and behavioral medicine. Comprehensive care is provided for all patients with the aid of nurses, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, pharmacists, nutritionists, and social workers.
The cardio-obstetrics team meets regularly and frequently to discuss high-risk patients, which includes those with congenital heart disease who are interested in becoming or are already pregnant. Our cardiology and maternal fetal medicine providers collaborate daily to optimize patient care.
“This multidisciplinary approach allows us to effectively mitigate risk during pregnancy and after delivery for our patients” says cardiologist Malamo Countouris MD, MS.
Conditions Managed by the Cardio-Obstetrics Team
We treat a wide range of cardiac conditions including:
Comprehensive Care from Preconception to Postpartum
“We offer preconception counseling to patients who are planning to become pregnant. The goal is to ensure the healthiest possible outcomes for the patient and their family,” says Dr. Countouris.
During preconception counseling, the team thoroughly reviews each patient’s medical and family history and makes recommendations for a healthier pregnancy. Counseling also allows the team to identify opportunities to enhance the safety of the patient’s pregnancy.
In addition to preconception counseling and care, the cardio-obstetrics team provides comprehensive postpartum care following birth, including postpartum cardiovascular risk assessment.
Our adult congenital heart disease cardiologists are a vital part of the cardio-obstetrics team, providing truly advanced cardiac care to a unique population. Natasha Wolfe, MD; Arvind Hoskoppal, MD; and Anita Saraf, MD, are experts and advocates for this group of patients, ensuring their care is optimized every step of the way.
“Since certain pregnancy complications, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, our team assesses each patient’s cardiovascular disease risk postpartum,” says Dr. Countouris. “We commonly collaborate with maternal fetal medicine experts to care for patients with HDP in our postpartum hypertension program. We follow these patients after delivery to monitor their blood pressure, heart, and overall health.”
Contributing to the Future of Cardio-Obstetrics
UPMC has been a world leader in cardio-obstetrics research and training. Recently, Katie Berlacher, MD, MS, director of the Magee-Womens Heart Program, and colleagues published recommendations for cardio-obstetrics training in hopes of standardizing this practice. Additionally, our team regularly speaks at medical conferences and webinars across the globe, advancing fundamental knowledge in the cardio-obstetrics space and leading the way for improved care of women across the world.
“For all cardiologists, it is important to have working knowledge of how to treat the most common conditions in pregnancy and which medications are safe to use in pregnancy and during lactation,” says Dr. Countouris. “A good general principle is that what is good for mom is good for the baby, and indicated cardiac care should never be delayed for pregnant patients.”
At UPMC, our multidisciplinary team approach ensures each patient receives individualized care tailored to their specific condition and needs. Our cardio-obstetrics experts are here to provide advanced care to patients through all stages of their pregnancy.
To refer a patient, or to learn more, call 412-641-8870.
