At the Forefront - UChicago Medicine

Cancer in Pregnancy

Getting a cancer diagnosis while pregnant is rare. At the University of Chicago Medicine, our experts will support you through this experience. We build care plans with you, focusing on safety first for you and your baby.

We work as a team. Specialists in high-risk pregnancies, cancer care, surgery and newborn medicine come together to help you.

Find a maternal-fetal medicine specialist

Working Together for Two Patients

Every patient has unique health needs. We care for pregnant people who either currently have cancer or have a history of cancer.

We see pregnant patients who have many different types of cancer, including:

How do we diagnose cancer while you’re pregnant?

  • We use safe scans like ultrasound and MRI.
  • Sometimes, we do limited CT scans or biopsies if needed.
  • A group of doctors reviews your results and helps plan next steps.
  • You can meet with a genetic counselor and a high-risk pregnancy specialist.

Cancer Treatment During Pregnancy

  • Many times, treatment can start while you are pregnant.
  • Chemotherapy or surgery may be a safe treatment option, especially during the second or third trimester.
  • Some treatments, like radiation, may have to wait until after your baby is born.
  • We carefully plan timing for your delivery and treatments.

Our team will also check on your baby with ultrasounds and other tests.

Delivery Planning and Care for Your Newborn

  • The timing and method of your delivery will depend on your treatment plan and overall health.
  • Most patients can have a vaginal delivery, but a cesarean birth (C-section) may be recommended for some.
  • You will deliver at our Family Birth Center - Hyde Park, where our expert team is always nearby to provide support.
  • Our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is ready if your baby needs extra care after birth.

After delivery, we will help you plan your next steps for cancer treatment and support your recovery.

Emotional and Care and Support

  • We offer support for your emotional wellness and mental health.
  • Our palliative care and social work teams are also available to offer support, if needed.
  • We understand that your preferences and values are important in planning your care.

Need help with cancer during pregnancy?

The first step is a consultation.

Call us at 773-702-6118 to learn more.

Meet Our Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists

Our high-risk pregnancy doctors provide exceptional maternal-fetal care for patients referred from throughout the region, including several counties in Illinois and Northwest Indiana.

Our specialists often engage a broader team of UChicago Medicine or Comer Children's experts to collaborate in planning the best and safest care possible — especially for the most challenging diagnoses and conditions.

Refer a Patient: 773-702-6118

Convenient Locations for Maternal-Fetal Care

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.