David Nelson, M.D., is an Associate Professor and Division Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern, where he also is a Dedman Family Scholar in Clinical Care.
Dr. Nelson’s clinical practice is based at Parkland Hospital, where he staffs the obstetrics service and a high-risk prenatal clinic. He also leads a depression clinic for women at high risk for postpartum depression.
After receiving his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Nelson completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and fellowship training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UT Southwestern.
Dr. Nelson’s research focuses on cardiac function in pregnancy and the prevention of preterm birth and postpartum depression. He is the primary investigator on a prospective study of prevention measures for preterm birth and a prospective study of cardiac function in pregnancy using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging modalities throughout gestation and the postpartum period.
He also is involved in teaching medical students, residents, and fellows at UT Southwestern.
In 2018, Dr. Nelson received UT Southwestern's Rising Star Award.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialist David Nelson, M.D., helps women with high-risk pregnancies deliver a healthy baby and be healthy mothers.
Several risk factors exist for high-risk pregnancy, including advanced maternal age, lifestyle choices, medical history, pregnancy complications, and carrying multiples.
Dr. Nelson identifies the specific risk that his patients face and devises a treatment plan for each individual. In most cases, he seeks to avoid preterm birth, also known as preterm labor. The earlier preterm birth happens, the greater the health risks for the baby.
“At every patient appointment, we adapt and modify the treatment plan because that patient’s clinical scenario may have changed over the course of her pregnancy,” Dr. Nelson says. “Some of our patients have very complicated medical problems. It’s our job to solve those problems and maintain health for the mother and baby.”
At Parkland Hospital, Dr. Nelson staffs the obstetrics service as well as a high-risk prenatal clinic dedicated to the care of women at the greatest risk for preterm birth. He also leads a depression clinic for women at risk for or experiencing postpartum depression, which can affect five percent to 10 percent of women following pregnancy.
“Postpartum depression can have devastating effects on the mother and the infant, and it can affect dynamics within the family,” Dr. Nelson says. “If we can identify women who are at risk, we can provide interventions that can help reduce that risk after delivery.”
