patient
services
Prenatal Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling can help you understand the risk
for birth defects or genetic disorders in your current pregnancy.
A board-certified genetic counselor with a master’s degree
and/or a board-certified clinical geneticist-physician provide these
critical services. We aim to encourage people to make decisions
that reflect their own personal and cultural beliefs, values and
goals. Women over the age of 35, or who have other risk factors
such as a family history of birth defects or genetic disorders,
exposure to medications, drugs or chemicals, abnormal AFP results,
multiple miscarriages, or diabetes, may be candidates for genetic
counseling.
If needed, testing such as ultrasounds, amniocentesis,
and other tests are offered and can be performed by the physicians
of Perinatal Associates to determine if the current pregnancy may
be affected. Prenatal genetic counseling is done prior to any fetal
diagnostic testing.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
Obstetrical ultrasound is a safe imaging technique
that allows the provider to examine the fetus. The physicians at
Perinatal Associates personally perform all Level III exams and
fetal echocardiograms in addition to reviewing all ultrasounds performed
by our service. Ultrasound may be used to confirm dates, evaluate
growth, examine for birth defects or examine the fetal heart. We
will answer any questions you may have about your ultrasound. For
more information please visit www.aium.com
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a safe, proven technique that has
been used for many years. This test is performed for various fetal
diagnostic procedures depending on the individual case. Ultrasound
guidance is used during amniocentesis to assure safe removal of
amniotic fluid. Our physicians have performed over 10,000 genetic
amniocenteses. As with all testing procedures performed at Perinatal
Associates, patients receive counseling about amniocentesis prior
to the test to assure that they understand the risks, benefits,
and limitations as well as the process in detail.
links for more information
Maternal Fetal Medicine www.smfm.org
|
