Health Information
Maternal/Fetal Medicine
Our Expertise
Diagnostic Services
Today, progress in maternal-fetal screening technology is making it possible to diagnose potentially serious conditionsincluding those that will require immediate surgical repair prior to birth. This allows our physicians to plan and implement a treatment program that can save a newborns life and improve their quality of life for the future.
Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists have advanced knowledge of the obstetrical, medical, genetic, and surgical challenges that can affect both the mother and her unborn child. Among the procedures we use to diagnose maternal-fetal abnormalities are:
- imaging studies, including targeted ultrasound, Doppler studies, and MRI
- chorionic villus sampling
- fetal blood sampling
- genetic amniocentesis
- maternal serum screening
- early screening for Down syndrome
- fetal echocardiography
The Hospitals Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology recently concluded a major study that demonstrated the high accuracy of non-invasive screening for Down syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy. The results of the study, which were published in the November 2005 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, have led to a recommendation that all pregnant women be offered the option of early screening for Down syndrome in their first trimester. The new screening approach uses a blood test that analyzes the level of protein and hormone in the mothers blood combined with an ultrasound or sonogram picture of the thickness of skin on the back of the babys neck. Results are available within five days, often before starting the second trimester of pregnancy.
Today, almost every major form of congenital heart disease can be diagnosed prenatally. Fetal cardiology and fetal echocardiography provide insight into the anatomy and physiology of the developing fetal heart, and the use of ultrasound enables us to identify abnormal heart structure and function in utero. This is important so that we can counsel families in advance, discuss treatment options, and obtain consent to facilitate the provision of medical and surgical care at the earliest stage possible. Using this technique, we have had successful treatment for the major forms of congenital heart disease not only in terms of survival, but also in terms of improvements in neurodevelopmental function as babies grow.
Because our cardiology services are integrated with maternal-fetal medicine and neonatology, we are able to offer diagnostic services and a collaborative management programincluding perinatologists, pediatric surgeons, cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, neonatologists, and any other medical or surgical subspecialists. Our goal is to help parents make the right decision for themselves and for their infant.
Genetic Counseling
We also provide formal genetic consultation for individual and family history risk assessment and discussion of prenatal screening and diagnostic options such as amniocentesis and CVS and pre-conception counseling to review individual medical history and discuss potential obstetrical challenges.
Contact
- Maternal/Fetal Medicine
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(212) 305-5827
