Maternal Fetal Medicine Services
For expectant couples, the anticipation of having a baby is joyous as well as exciting. While most pregnancies proceed without significant complications, some women may need additional testing, observation and/or monitoring.
The Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and the Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics Center, located adjacent to St.Vincent Women's Hospital, are two full-service practices offering prenatal diagnostic testing, genetic counseling, targeted ultrasound and high-risk pregnancy management and consultation. Most women seek consultation from a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist because they are “at risk” and considering pregnancy, or because they are pregnant and have been classified as “high-risk” or “complicated” by their primary obstetric provider.
For a woman with a high-risk pregnancy, the joy of expecting a baby can be tainted with fear. Our team understands your special needs and is here to help guide you through the pregnancy.
Whenever possible, patients with pre-existing medical conditions or a history of prior obstetrical complications are encouraged to see us for preconception counseling. This provides the opportunity to discuss possible risks and prepare a management plan designed to optimize the outcome of future pregnancies.
MATERNAL-FETAL ONE CALL TRANSPORT SERVICE
317-338-5000
For direct physician-to-physician contact (24/7) for high-risk obstetrical cases, this is the number to call when arranging air or ground transportation of patients to Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists at St.Vincent Women's Hospital.
Two newborn and pediatric ground transport units travel statewide with a neonatologist, an RN, and a respiratory therapist to begin caring for babies on their way to the NICU at St.Vincent Women's Hospital.
St.Vincent uses DoveFlight®, a medical transport service for maternal-fetal transports requiring a higher level of care en-route. Air transport gives expectant mothers rapid access specialized treatment and helps to assure the infant is born at the appropriate level of care.
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What is a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist?
A Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who has several additional years of training to gain practical experience and special competence in the management of obstetrical, medical and surgical complications of pregnancy. By virtue of this training, a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist is able to provide care for both the mother and fetus in a complicated pregnancy. St. Vincent Women’s hospital is fortunate to have six Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists available to work with your primary physician by providing consultations, co-management or direct care for high-risk pregnancy.
Who might be referred to a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist?
Patients with pregnancy-related conditions
- Multiple gestation
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Fetal structural and genetic abnormalities
- Incompetent cervix
- Premature rupture of the membranes
- Preterm labor
- Preeclampsia
- Abnormalities of fetal growth
- Malpresentation
- Placental abnormalities
- Maternal and fetal infections
- Prolonged pregnancy
- Rh and hemolytic disease of the fetus
- Fetal cardiac arrhythmias
- Advanced maternal age
- Abnormal screening such as 1st trimester or 2nd trimester serum screen
- Teratogen exposures
Patients with maternal medical disorders
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Seizures or other neurological disorders
- Thyroid problems
- Autoimmune diseases
- Clotting or bleeding disorders
- Cardiac disease
- Renal disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Cancer
- Family history of birth defects or genetic conditions
