Maternal Fetal Medicine

Our expert genetics team can test one or both parents to see if they carry genetic conditions. The team can also test the fetus for genetic conditions. This information can help parents make important family planning and treatment decisions.

You may want genetic testing if:

• You have a family history of certain conditions.
• You received an abnormal blood or ultrasound screening test result.
• You're of advanced maternal age.

Our maternal-fetal medicine team takes an approach that's tailored to you. They choose the tests based on your specific concerns and risk factors and provide clear explanations. Our team members are sensitive to your concerns and offer emotional support throughout the process.

If your OB-GYN has a concern, due to a routine test or ultrasound, they'll refer you to maternal and fetal medicine for advanced ultrasounds or blood tests. You might also opt for an extra test if you have concerns due to an issue with a previous birth, age or any reason.

We get that any test can bring anxiety. Rest assured most patients find the process rules out worrying conditions and brings them peace of mind.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or another health condition, you'll be glad to have our maternal and fetal medicine team in your corner. We follow you closely, with additional check-ups, tests and even remote monitoring, if needed. Our goal? To give you a positive and healthy pregnancy experience.

Our maternal and fetal medicine team includes certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians. We help you with a nutrition and exercise plan to help you stay on top of your health. We also cater our advice to your stage in pregnancy — whether you're in your first trimester or third — and your specific health indicators. If you have any concerns or just need some extra support, you can reach out to your health champions at any time.

Life can get complicated sometimes. So can pregnancy. Pregnancy conditions include gestational diabetes, preterm labor, preeclampsia (abnormal blood flow to the placenta) and many other potential complications. We successfully manage hundreds of high-risk pregnancies every year, with healthy, happy babies to show for it.

Your OB-GYN reaches out to the maternal and fetal medicine team if there's ever a concern with your pregnancy. We provide extra testing, treatments, or recommend an earlier or caesarean birth to keep you and your baby safe. By catching warning signs early, your team aims to control any pregnancy complication before it can pose a danger to you or your baby.

Yes, you may eat and drink prior to your appointment. It is actually encouraged that you do eat prior to arriving to increase the likelihood that there is fetal movement for testing.

If you are in your first trimester (1-12wks) it is recommended that you have a full bladder for testing. Drinking 16-24oz of water ½ hour prior to your appointment is encouraged. Patients for CVS testing also must have a full bladder. If you are scheduled with a genetic counselor prior to your ultrasound appointment, there is no need to arrive with a full bladder.

There is a possibility that you will be offered bloodwork when you are here, depending on the circumstance. No fasting indicated. Generally if you are in your first trimester you will be presented with the option to have bloodwork drawn for genetic screening purposes.

Unless the provider tells you any differently, results of most lab work drawn in the office can take up to 14 business days. We will call every patient personally when the results are received. If you have not heard from us after 14 days, feel free to call our office.

Our practice follows the current guidelines of our professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). Common indications include: women 35 years or older at the time of delivery, abnormal maternal serum screen, abnormal ultrasound findings, or women with a history of a previous pregnancy with a chromosome abnormality. Insurance coverage may vary. During your visit, you may inquire about whether NIPT is an option for you.

Due to limited space in our examination rooms, one visitor or support person over the age of 12 may accompany you at your office visits.

We encourage you NOT to bring any children less than 12 years of age with you for your office visit. If you do bring them, you must have another responsible adult with you to watch over them in our waiting room as they are not allowed in the exam room. If you have any further questions about this, please contact us by phone.

Your partner is encouraged to come to our office for all visits if you desire. It is especially advisable that they are with you for any counseling sessions.

You may request a sonographer or provider but we cannot guarantee that they will be available during your visit.

A BPP or Biophysical Profile is an evaluation of fetal well-being based on: 1) Amniotic fluid volume, 2) Fetal breathing movements, 3) Fetal movement, 4) Fetal muscle tone. This is done with ultrasound and can take anywhere from 5 and 30 minutes. A BPP is sometimes combined with an NST depending on the circumstances.

The NST or Nonstress Test is one of the most common methods of prenatal screening for pregnancy after 32 weeks. It involves electronic FHR monitoring for approximately 20-40 minutes. Acceleration of FHR during fetal activity is a sign of fetal wellbeing. An NST that does not meet criteria may indicate a need for further testing.

Once completed, all reports and consults will be faxed to the referring doctor.

You will be evaluated by our providers regarding the need for further visits.

Yes! We partner with your OB/GYN to provide you with specialized care.

Common indications for genetic counseling include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Women who will be 35 years of age or older at the time of delivery
2. Women who have an abnormal (positive, high risk) serum screen result
3. Couple who have a family history of a genetic condition
4. Pregnancies with abnormal ultrasound findings
5. Carrier screening
6. Teratogen counseling

In order to provide you with the most comprehensive assessment, we request you bring as much information as possible regarding your family history (including medical history of first- and second-degree relatives). Specifically, if there is a known genetic condition in the family, we request medical records be provided when possible. Having this documentation allows us to provide more thorough risk assessment and counseling about possible testing options.

If you have an HMO, you will need to obtain an insurance referral from your primary care physician. If you have never seen one, you will need to call them and ask how to go about obtaining one from their office.

Please call your OB/GYN first and they will direct you with how to proceed.