Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Perinatology)

Overview

Maternal-fetal medicine focuses on the management of complicated and high-risk pregnancies. An expectant mother may be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, also known as a perinatologist, if she has a medical problem such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, or if a previous pregnancy resulted in preterm labor, multiple births, preeclampsia or a genetic disorder or birth defect.

Holy Name Medical Center's maternal-fetal physicians are experienced and skilled in high-risk pregnancies and work closely with your obstetrician throughout your evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. They offer a personal approach to each patient and will meet with you at every appointment to discuss test results and answer any questions. They monitor and confirm healthy fetal development and assist in your care throughout the pregnancy.

Pre-conception

Perinatal care can begin as early as the pre-conception period, when Holy Name's perinatologists can perform a pre-pregnancy consultation. They will review your medical history and develop a plan with you to optimize your chances of a successful pregnancy. A number of pre-conception services are available including:

• Genetic counseling
• Genetic testing
• Pre-conception counseling
• Risk assessment and planning

Diagnostic and Monitoring Services

During pregnancy, Holy Name's team of maternal-fetal specialists offers counseling and education on pregnancy and delivery, with a special focus on high-risk pregnancies. Staff members closely monitor fetal development and provide advanced diagnostics as needed, including:

• Amniocentesis
• First and second trimester genetic risk assessment
• Chorionic villous sampling
• Doppler blood flow studies
• Direct fetal assessment
• Fetal biophysical evaluations (non-stress test, amniotic fluid volume assessments and biophysical profiles)
• Fetal echocardiography
• Fetal growth monitoring
• High resolution fetal ultrasound (including 3D/4D)

The Maternal-Fetal Medical Team

Holy Name Medical Center's Maternal-Fetal Medicine Services is composed of an award-winning team of highly trained physicians, nurses and health professionals who are recognized for their expertise in the field of perinatal medicine. The maternal-fetal medical team works with obstetricians, pediatric surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, neonatologists and geneticists to ensure that mother and baby receive the best care possible. The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Team includes:

• Perinatologists–Board-certified obstetricians with fellowship training in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders in mother and fetus during pregnancy.
• Perinatal nurses–Specially trained nurses who serve as coach and educator.
• Ultrasonographers–Technologists with advanced training and expertise in perinatal ultrasound.
• Genetic counselors–Experts who have extensive training in genetics and counseling to help patients with high-risk pregnancies.