Maternal & Fetal Medicine

Our Maternal & Fetal Medicine team specializes in caring for individuals planning or experiencing high-risk pregnancies.

Our team of perinatologists, nurses, sonographers, and genetic counselors work closely with your obstetrician to create an individualized plan for you and your baby’s care. We are AIUM accredited and partner with our network of specialty care providers at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and across our network of Hartford HealthCare hospitals to provide access to the highest level of obstetrical ultrasound and fetal surveillance available.  Making your care as comfortable and informative as possible is always our first priority. Please let us know how we can best care for you.

Services:

First Trimester Screening Ultrasound
This ultrasound is generally performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy to screen baby’s risk for genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome. The exam can be performed in most cases by placing the ultrasound probe, also called a transducer, on the abdomen. During this ultrasound, we take pictures to measure baby to confirm the gestational age, to see baby’s heartbeat, and to measure the amount of fluid at the base of baby’s neck (also called a nuchal translucency or NT measurement). One of two blood tests will be offered: a serum screening, or a cell-free DNA test. The NT measurement combined with the blood test determines whether baby has an increased risk for these genetic conditions. An increased risk does not mean your baby has a problem. If the results show an increased risk, our genetic counselor will meet with you to talk through the options for further testing. These options may include additional bloodwork or one of two procedures that we offer in the comfort of our office:

CVS
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. During this test, our perinatologist, under the guidance of ultrasound, takes a small sample of chorionic villi tissue that will eventually develop into a placenta. The tissue is analyzed in the laboratory for the presence of extra material from chromosome 21 or other chromosome abnormalities.

Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is performed after 16 weeks of pregnancy. During this test, our perinatologist, under the guidance of ultrasound, takes a small sample of   amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby. This sample contains baby’s chromosomes and is analyzed in the laboratory 

Detailed Anatomy Ultrasound
Detailed anatomy ultrasounds, also called Level II ultrasounds, are generally performed between 19-20 weeks of pregnancy, however, they may be performed at any time during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. The exam can be performed in most cases by placing the ultrasound probe, also called a transducer, on the abdomen. During this ultrasound, we take pictures and measurements of your baby from head-to-toes to confirm that baby is developing well and to determine what specialized care, if any, baby will need at delivery.

Fetal Echocardiogram
Fetal Echocardiogram ultrasounds, are generally performed after 22 weeks of pregnancy by our sonographers who hold a specialized certification to perform this test. The exam can be performed in most cases by placing the ultrasound probe, also called a transducer, on the abdomen. During this ultrasound, we take pictures, videos, and measurements of your baby’s heart to confirm its structure and function to determine what specialized care, if any, baby will need at delivery.

Non-Stress Test (NST)
Fetal Non-Stress tests are generally performed 1-2 times per week after 34 weeks of pregnancy. The NST has become the most common method of antepartum screening for baby’s well-being. During this exam, two round transducers are placed on your abdomen for about 30 minutes to track baby’s heart rate. Accelerations in heart rate in response to fetal movements are a reassuring sign that your baby continues to be in good health.

Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI)
This ultrasound is performed once per week along with the non-stress test. The exam can be performed in most cases by placing the ultrasound probe, also called a transducer, on the abdomen. During this ultrasound we measure the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby to confirm that it’s not too much or too little.

Fetal Biophysical Profile (BPP)
This ultrasound is performed in the second half of pregnancy in conjunction with an NST. The exam can be performed in most cases by placing the ultrasound probe, also called a transducer, on the abdomen. During this ultrasound, we score baby’s wellness based upon predetermined factors such as the presence of breathing, baby’s muscle tone, movements, and the amount of fluid surrounding your baby.

Consultations
Our comprehensive team of perinatal professionals offers consultations with non-pregnant and pregnant people seeking specialist consultation. The most common reasons for consultation are, perinatal headaches and migraines, recurrent pregnancy loss, families with history of genetic conditions or structural anomaly, or having a previous baby with a genetic condition or structural anomaly. During this visit, you will meet with one of our expert perinatologists and/or a certified genetic counselor to discuss any concerns that you have and explain all options for specialized testing or care as you plan your growing family.

Our Locations

PRISM Program

The Pelvic, Reproductive, Intimacy, Sexuality and Mental Health program (PRISM) offers behavior health services to our uro-gynecology, gynecologic oncology, maternal fetal medicine and women’s ambulatory health patients. Learn more >>