2017 Outcomes Report for Obstetrics & Neonatal Care

The Center for Prenatal Pediatrics

For patients whose pregnancies are affected by significant fetal complications, we coordinate care with our Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists at our Carmen and John Thain Center for Prenatal Pediatrics.

Dr. Lynn L. Simpson, Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Our comprehensive prenatal program offers expectant mothers and their babies one of the nation’s largest, most experienced teams of physicians specialized in detecting, diagnosing and treating complex conditions. Our patients have access to virtually any maternal-fetal, obstetric or pediatric subspecialty that may be required. Each year, 500-600 patients and their families are cared for at the Carmen and John Thain Center for Prenatal Pediatrics.

The Center for Prenatal Pediatrics brings together teams of multidisciplinary experts to diagnose, manage and treat pregnancies complicated by multiple births and fetal, genetic, or developmental abnormalities. We have more than 20 Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists who consult with pediatric neonatal experts to develop care plans to optimize a baby’s health outcome. Our nurses have specialized training and experience in high-risk obstetrical care, with expertise and certification in fetal monitoring and resuscitation.

Close collaboration among our specialists ensures that both mother and baby have access to any subspecialty and diagnostic or treatment option needed. Each patient’s unique situation is presented to prenatal and pediatric practitioners across all specialties. Results from diagnostic tests, consultations and opinions are shared, providing a systematic, collaborative and consensus approach.

Prenatal Imaging

We offer specialized expertise in fetal MRI, sophisticated 3-D and 4-D ultrasound imaging, and fetal echocardiography. Our sonographers and fetal medicine physicians are experts in evaluating fetal development and identifying structural defects.

Early, Accurate Prenatal Diagnosis

Outcomes are better when diagnosed and treated early. The Center for Prenatal Pediatrics is at the forefront of early, first trimester screening in pregnancy and advanced prenatal diagnostic testing for fetal chromosome abnormalities and birth defects.

Some of the disorders we can diagnose and treat prenatally include:

• Cardiac arrhythmias

• Major heart conditions (treated immediately after birth)

• Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

• Fetal anemia

• Fetal urinary tract obstructions

• Bladder obstruction

• Neural tube defect

• Inborn errors of metabolism

• Rare genetic diseases

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Chorionic villus sampling is a first trimester diagnostic tool used for early prenatal diagnosis. We have performed some 643 CVS procedures, more than any other center in the region. CVS is used to detect genetic disorders such as Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, thalassemia and Down syndrome.

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)

Fetal blood sampling via PUBS, sometimes called cordocentesis, is a very complex procedure performed by specially trained perinatologists as part of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring fetal problems at various times during pregnancy, when other tests or procedures are not possible or not effective.