Maternal Fetal Medicine Services -

St.Vincent Women's Hospital

Pre- and Post-Conception Consultation:

The Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics staff provide consultative services to physicians, patients and families throughout Indiana and the surrounding states in the management of high-risk pregnancies. Inpatient and outpatient consultation for women experiencing complications of pregnancy is available. Those complications may include a history of problems in a prior pregnancy or an ongoing medical problem such as diabetes or hypertension.

Additionally pre-conceptual consultation is available to families planning a new addition to their families.

Our goal is to work with the patient, her family and her primary care physician toward the successful management of pregnancy.

Prenatal Diagnosis:

In addition to consultation services, our department offers prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal diagnosis involves examination or testing of a patient, her baby or family members before or during the course of the pregnancy.

St.Vincent Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics employs three full-time and two part-time ultrasonographers, certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonograhers. In response to the level of excellence in ultrasonography, St.Vincent Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics has been granted accreditation in OB/GYN ultrasound by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). This accreditation means that a department has a highly qualified staff, up-to-date facilities and equipment, proper record-keeping and quality assurance guidelines.

St.Vincent Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics, located adjacent to St.Vincent Women's Hospital, is one of only two center in Central Indiana to receive this designation. Accreditation reflects well on our entire staff, because it means we meet nationally accepted standards of patient care, demonstrate consistent excellence, and operate with the latest ultrasound technology. St. Vincent is one of more than 150 centers nationwide that have received accreditation.

Ultrasound:

The department completes ultrasounds for pregnancy dating, routine screening, and targeted or high-resolution [previously referred to as Level II] ultrasound examinations. Targeted ultrasounds are performed by the sonographer and the maternal fetal medicine specialist to rule out or identify babies who may have birth defects.  This examination is completed by the ultrasonographer and the maternal fetal medicine specialist. The availability of on-site consultations with pediatric cardiologists, neurosurgeons, neonatologists and urologists enable us to provide complete services to our patients. For routine ultrasound examination, the exam is completed by the ultrasonographer and reviewed by the maternal fetal medicine specialist. We also provide ultrasound examinations for women experiencing gynecological problems.

Genetic Counseling:

Our current staff includes genetic counselors, certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Our genetic counselors work hand-in-hand with our staff to answer questions related to inherited conditions or birth defects. Very often, a physician will request a consultation with the genetic counselors to provide you with additional information, which may help you make decisions regarding your pregnancy. If your physician recommends prenatal testing, the genetic counselors will provide information regarding the test, and discuss risks and benefits to enable you to make an informed decision regarding the test.

The genetic counselors are an integral part of the Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment Program. The program will apply a multidisciplinary approach to cancer risk assessment, detection and surveillance by incorporating the expertise of the genetic counselors with physicians, nurses, social workers and chaplains at St.Vincent.

Antepartal Testing:

St.Vincent Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics also offers a full range of antepartal (before birth) testing services, including the performance of non-stress tests, contraction stress tests, biophysical profiles, amniotic fluid indexes, external cephalic versions and amniocentesis for fetal lung maturity. Antepartal tests may be ordered by your primary physician to evaluate your baby's well-being. They are usually performed on mothers who have been identified as being at increased risk for pregnancy complications.

For more information, please call 317-415-8100.