Dr. Kathryn Berryman on High-Risk Pregnancy, Confidence, and Whole-Person Women’s Healthcare
- Jeremy Demate
- Feb 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 24
There’s a moment many women face — whether in their careers, their health journey, or motherhood — when the stakes feel high and the path forward feels uncertain.
You want to trust your body.
You want to trust your doctor.
You want to trust yourself.
But questions creep in:
Is this pregnancy going to be okay?
Am I doing everything I can?
Can I balance ambition, family, and my own well-being?
This conversation on The She Believed She Could™ Podcast speaks directly to that space — where courage meets uncertainty.
About Dr. Kathryn Berryman
Dr. Kathryn Berryman is a board-certified OBGYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist dedicated to caring for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies. After earning her medical degree from the University of Maryland, she completed her residency at Brooke Army Medical Center as an active-duty Army physician and later deployed to Iraq.
Following her military service, she pursued fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine at The Ohio State University, specializing in complex pregnancies, fetal complications, and high-risk postpartum care. Today, she serves women and families at AdventHealth for Women, combining clinical excellence with a compassionate, whole-person approach to healthcare.
Beyond her medical expertise, Dr. Berryman is also a wife, mother of three, and mentor to young physicians — deeply committed to shaping the future of women’s healthcare.
When Pregnancy Becomes “High Risk”
High-risk pregnancy isn’t a label anyone hopes for — yet it’s becoming more common.
Women are starting families later. Chronic health conditions are increasing. Medical complexity is evolving.
Maternal-fetal medicine exists to meet that reality.
Dr. Berryman works alongside obstetricians to support women facing complications such as hypertension, diabetes, multiples, fetal concerns, and other medical risks. Her role isn’t just clinical — it’s collaborative, educational, and deeply human.
Because when pregnancy feels uncertain, information and access matter.
The Future of Prenatal Care: Genetics, Proteomics & Early Intervention
One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is what’s coming next.
Advancements in genetics have already transformed prenatal screening. Now, emerging fields like proteomics are allowing physicians to analyze proteins in the blood to predict potential complications earlier than ever before — from poor fetal growth to postpartum depression.
The future of maternal health isn’t just about reacting.
It’s about anticipating.
And when risk can be identified earlier, outcomes can improve.
Balancing Motherhood, Medicine, and Mission
Dr. Berryman’s journey isn’t only about medicine. It’s about resilience.
She had her first child during medical school. Her second during residency. She navigated military service, deployments, long hours, and leadership — all while building a family.
Her perspective is honest: balance changes in every season.
Early on, she relied heavily on support systems. Today, she prioritizes autonomy over her schedule. One theme remains constant: no one does this alone.
For high-achieving women listening, her message is clear:
Reliable support isn’t optional — it’s foundational.
Asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.
Childcare isn’t indulgent — it’s infrastructure.
Confidence Isn’t Loud — It’s Conviction
When asked about confidence, Dr. Berryman didn’t describe bravado.
She described belief.
Belief that you can do the next hard thing.
Belief that even when something feels overwhelming — like a nearly failed physics class — you can study, show up, and push through.
Confidence, in her words, is knowing in your gut that you’ll get it done.
Not because it’s easy.
But because you’ve decided you will.
The Fourth Trimester Matters
One of the most important conversations in maternal health today is postpartum care.
The “fourth trimester” — the weeks following delivery — carries significant medical and emotional risks. Yet historically, it has received far less attention than pregnancy itself.
Through specialized programs and intentional follow-up, Dr. Berryman and her team are working to change that — ensuring women are supported not just through delivery, but through recovery.
Whole-person healthcare means seeing the full journey.
Final Takeaway: You Don’t Have to Navigate High Risk Alone
Whether you’re navigating a high-risk pregnancy, balancing a demanding career, or simply trying to trust yourself in a new season — this conversation is a reminder:
Support exists.
Advancements are happening.
And belief in yourself can carry you farther than you think.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The She Believed She Could™ Podcast to hear Dr. Kathryn Berryman’s insights on maternal-fetal medicine, confidence, and caring for women at every stage of life.
As always, thank you for being here.
I believe in you 1,000% — and my hope is that this conversation helps you believe in yourself just a little more, too. 💛
Thank You to Our Sponsor: AdventHealth for Women
We’re grateful to once again welcome back AdventHealth for Women as a sponsor of this episode of The She Believed She Could™ Podcast.
AdventHealth for Women is dedicated to supporting women with whole-person care — mind, body, and spirit — and making healthcare feel more accessible, compassionate, and empowering at every stage of life.
Thank you to AdventHealth for Women for continuing to support conversations that uplift women, amplify meaningful stories, and help our community grow with confidence and care.
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