Maternal Fetal Medicine
Our highly skilled team of maternal fetal medicine specialists (or perinatologists) are here to provide advanced treatment options from preconception through labor and delivery and beyond. We work with your prenatal care provider to ensure you have a full team supporting your needs.
We provide the full spectrum of care for a variety of maternal conditions, including:
- Birth defects
- Genetic diseases
- Maternal infections
- Maternal obesity
- Placenta abnormalities
- Pregnancy with a chronic illness
- Pregnancy with multiples
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
Our treatments and services are tailored to you. They include:
- Amniocentesis to diagnose genetic conditions or assess the health of your baby
- Consultations for postpartum complications
- Genetic testing and counseling
- Interpretation of abnormal ultrasounds
- Obstetric management for complicated pregnancies
- Preconception counseling to help you be at your healthiest before pregnancy
- Prenatal consultation and diagnosis for possible pregnancy complications
Prenatal genetic counselors are trained to help you make sense of what can sometimes be complex and confusing medical information. They can help you make personal decisions about genetic testing options and your pregnancy.
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How can genetic counseling be helpful?
With recent advances, there are many genetic testing options during pregnancy. Genetic counseling can make the information more manageable. You may feel more educated about declining genetic testing. The discussion can help you be informed, reassured, less worried and more prepared.
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What can genetic counselors provide?
- Discussion of the pros and cons of prenatal genetic testing options during and before pregnancy
- Personal guidance on test decision-making through test results
- Patient-friendly explanations of complex medical information
- Guidance for each patient to make informed, independent decisions about their health care and reproductive options
- Resources and educational materials
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How do I make an appointment for genetic counseling?
Speak to your obstetrics provider to obtain a referral. Once referred, you will receive a phone call from the Providence Maternal Fetal Medicine to schedule your in person or telehealth appointment.
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What can I expect during my appointment?
You will attend your in person appointment at Providence Maternal Fetal Medicine. You will attend your telehealth appointment from home and the genetic counselor will be at Providence Maternal Fetal Medicine. You will communicate through a computer that allows you to see and hear each other. Both in-person and telehealth appointments last up to 60 minutes. If you opt to have genetic testing performed, your blood may be drawn after your appointment. Your genetic counselor will contact you by phone with results, when available.
No woman wants to hear that a complication has developed during her pregnancy.
However, we are experienced in the latest diagnostic procedures and genetic testing to provide the best outcome possible for both you and your baby.
Overview of prenatal testing options:
Genetic carrier testing is a blood test to check if someone is a genetic disease carrier or unlikely to be a carrier.
Learn more about prenatal genetic testing in these videos:
Prenatal Genetic Testing Videos
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Overview: Prenatal Genetic Testing
Introduction to the option of genetic testing during pregnancy. This video poses questions to help you decide if prenatal genetic testing is right for you.
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Chapter 1: Ultrasound During Pregnancy
Two ultrasounds are recommended during pregnancy. This video reviews the timing and reasons for the nuchal translucency and anatomy ultrasounds.
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Chapter 2: Noninvasive Prenatal Screening Tests
Prenatal screening tests are a way to get information about the baby's health without risk to the pregnancy. This chapter reviews the abilities and limitations for the combined screen and cell-free fetal DNA testing.
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Chapter 3: Diagnostic Prenatal Testing
Diagnostic testing can provide thorough and definitive information about the baby's genetic health. The pros and cons to these procedures and tests are discussed to help you decide if they may be helpful.
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Chapter 4: Genetic Disease Carrier Testing
Genetic conditions are rare, but can happen without a known family history. This chapter discusses a blood test option that helps couple figure out if they may be at increased risk for these diseases.
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Chapter 5: Conclusion
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FAQ: High risk factors
Most babies are born strong and healthy. This video reviews a few risk factors that may increase the chance for genetic concerns.
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FAQ: What are chromosome conditions?
When deciding about whether or not to proceed with genetic testing during pregnancy, it is helpful to understand what conditions are addressed as well as what typical life for an individual with these conditions is like.
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FAQ: Which prenatal screening tests are right for you?
There are two prenatal screening tests: combined screening and cell-free fetal DNA testing. This short video helps decide which one may be a better fit for you.
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FAQ: Test Results
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