Obstetrix of California, part of Pediatrix Medical Group

A diagnostic test to screen for chromosome abnormalities and inherited disorders. A sample of amniotic fluid is collected through an ultrasound guided needle inserted into the amniotic sac. The amniotic fluid is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Antenatal or prenatal diagnostic screening, refers to a variety of testing options available to determine if a fetus has certain abnormalities. Many of the tests are conducted by an obstetrician (OB) as routine prenatal screening, including ultrasound, nuchal translucency screening and testing of a pregnant woman's blood to help estimate the risk of certain abnormalities. When a test indicates a higher risk, additional tests are available to further analyze the fetus. These additional tests, such as amniocentesis and chronic villus sampling, are often more invasive and have additional risks to the fetus and should be conducted by a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist.

Women diagnosed with diabetes before or during pregnancy have difficulties producing the appropriate amount of insulin to process glucose, or sugar, in their bodies. Improper management of diabetes during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and baby. A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist is specially trained to treat women with diabetes during pregnancy. Through frequent prenatal visits, an MFM specialist can monitor and provide recommendations to help manage blood glucose levels through a combination of healthy eating, exercise and medications.

A non-invasive exam using ultrasound technology to generate pictures of a baby's heart. A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist or pediatric cardiologist will review the images to identify any congenital fetal heart anomalies.

Support provided by a genetic professional or qualified physician to the patient and the doctor by identifying genetic risk, discussing family history, explaining available testing options and implications of test results, as well as providing patient education. Genetic counselors or qualified physicians, act as patient advocates translating medical and scientific knowledge into practical information. In addition, resources are available to provide support to anyone who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions or birth defects, such as cystic fibrosis or disorders common to a particular race or ethnic group. This information is provided in a non-directive, unbiased manner and allows the patient to make their own decisions regarding testing options.

Women who become pregnant after age 35 are more likely to have pre-existing health problems that can complicate pregnancy and are at greater risk for complications like high blood pressure, abnormal fetal growth and diabetes in pregnancy. There is also an increased risk for certain fetal genetic abnormalities, specifically trisomies (where the fetus has an extra chromosome).

An extra level of care available to women at risk of experiencing problems during or after their pregnancy. A variety of risk factors can make a pregnancy high-risk, including advanced maternal age, chronic health conditions, problems with a previous pregnancy and problems that develop during pregnancy. A high-risk pregnancy means the baby is at a higher risk of having health problems during pregnancy, birth or after delivery. Women having a high-risk pregnancy should be seen more frequently for close monitoring by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, a physician specially trained to treat high-risk pregnancies.

Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist and OB/GYN health care providers are available to coordinate in the management of women who became pregnant through assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). An MFM specialist is able to provide an extra level of care through additional monitoring and screening.

An obstetrician who has earned an undergraduate degree and completed four years each of medical school and residency training in the medical specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. OB hospitalists specialize in managing the needs of pregnant women who are hospitalized and act as an extension of a patient’s primary care provider.

Our maternal-fetal medicine doctors have special training and certification to perform types of ultrasound that may not be available from a radiology service or a general obstetrician. These exams are performed in special situations, not in every pregnancy. Special exams include: Biophysical profile (A focused check of fetal movements and amniotic fluid (the liquid surrounding the fetus) to check on fetal well-being), Cervix length (If the cervix is short, there is a risk of preterm birth and special treatment might be needed), Doppler (Measurement of blood flow through certain blood vessels (umbilical cord, arteries in fetal brain, other blood vessels) to check on fetal well-being), Fetal echocardiogram (A detailed exam of the fetal heart to look for heart defects), 3-D Ultrasound (still pictures that appear 3-dimensional. These are used to get details for certain types of birth defects), 4-D ultrasound (Videos that appear 3-dimensional. These are used to get details of certain types of birth defects).

Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder caused by diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage nerves throughout the body. - There are several types of diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy reduces the ability to sense pain, touch, temperature and vibration in certain parts of the body. It may also affect movement and muscle strength. - Autonomic neuropathy may cause problems with the nerves that control the involuntary functions of the body, such as heartbeat, blood pressure, sweating, digestion, urination and some aspects of sexual function. - Focal neuropathy affects a single nerve, most often in the wrist, thigh or foot. It may also affect the nerves of the back, chest and those that control the eye muscles. It often develops suddenly and is the rarest form.

Pregnancy places extra stress on a woman's heart and circulatory system, causing the heart to work harder. The labor and delivery experience also adds to the heart's workload.

Hypertension or high blood pressure, can be present before pregnancy (chronic hypertension) or develop during pregnancy (gestational hypertension). Pregnant women with hypertension are at risk of developing preeclampsia, experiencing both high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby.

Obesity during pregnancy puts both the mother and baby at serious risk of developing serious health problems, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, birth defects, preterm birth and pregnancy loss.