Maternal-Fetal Center

Premier Perinatal Diagnostic Services

The St. Elizabeth Healthcare Maternal-Fetal Center is the premier diagnostic care centers of Northern Kentucky for a multitude of perinatal services. We are staffed by a team of Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians, genetic counselors, registered nurses and sonographers and support staff. The professionals of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Maternal-Fetal Centers strive to provide you and your loved ones with an optimal pregnancy experience. Patients and visitors will feel embraced by the comfortable atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. Our team of experts understands that the joy and excitement of pregnancy may also be a time of apprehension for women and families. Our role is to guide you through the pregnancy and prepare you to welcome your new addition!

Obstetrical Ultrasound

St. Elizabeth Healthcare has an experienced ultrasound team of nurses and sonographers led by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists. The Center is certified by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and the sonographers have achieved the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer accreditation. The expert medical team and advanced technology brings you the highest quality of care.

Antenatal Testing

In addition to obstetrical ultrasound, a physician may order a variety of tests to keep a close watch on the progress of mother and baby. Non-invasive fetal monitoring tests include nonstress tests (NST), ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid volume and biophysical profiles (BPP).

Prenatal Testing

The Maternal-Fetal Center offers an array of diagnostic testing services which include:

• First Trimester Screening: for all women who are pregnant.
• Carrier Screening: for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling: for all women who are pregnant.
• Amniocentesis: for all women who are pregnant.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consultation

Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients who are at increased risk for complications during or after pregnancy and birth. Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists commonly manage women with hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, blood clotting disorders and other conditions. Women who have increased risk for preterm delivery, such as women with multiple gestations, with cervical insufficiency or placental problems may benefit from the care of a Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician. In addition, women who are pregnant with babies with birth defects, genetic syndromes and other complications may also seek consultation with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist. The Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist works collaboratively with the woman’s obstetrician to develop a tailored plan of care for the optimal pregnancy outcome.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Diabetes Program

The St. Elizabeth Healthcare Maternal-Fetal Medicine Diabetes Program is a specialized program to care for pregnant women with diabetes. Pre-existing diabetes or gestational diabetes (which develops during pregnancy) may increase the risk for complications. For women who have uncontrolled blood sugar in the first trimester, the risk for birth defects may be increased. Since gestational diabetes usually develops later in pregnancy, the risk for birth defects is low. However, when diabetes is left untreated or poorly managed, there are additional risks to the mother and baby. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk for complications and can lead to preterm labor and in some cases, preterm delivery and problems in the newborn period.

The Diabetes Program includes:

• A diabetic education class taught by a certified diabetic educator.
• Weekly or bi-weekly visits with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist and Diabetes Nurse.
• Frequent monitoring of weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and urine.
• Consultation letters with all results and changes sent to your physician.
• An individualized care plan for you.
• Consultation with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Diabetes Program can be billed to your insurance.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counselors work as part of our healthcare team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Genetic Counselors identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available management with the family.

A genetic counselor may be consulted for information about:

• Birth defects, such as cleft lip or congenital heart disease.
• Ultrasound anomalies, advanced maternal age, abnormal maternal serum screening.
• Genetic diseases affecting children and adults such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, and muscular dystrophy.
• Infertility, stillbirth, infant death or multiple miscarriages.
• Diseases that “run in the family” such as cancer, schizophrenia, manic depression, muscle disorders, and certain heart conditions.
• Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling to families, serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to support services.

Hereditary Cancer Program

St. Elizabeth Healthcare has the only Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Program in Northern Kentucky with full-time staff Genetic Counselors dedicated to working with women and families at increased risk for hereditary cancers.

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes and cancer susceptibility is now available to patients with appropriate personal or family histories. Genetic test results can be used to make specific screening and management recommendations. Increased screening for breast and colon cancer in high-risk individuals saves lives.

Management options will be personalized to meet the patient’s needs and healthy living goals. St. Elizabeth Healthcare manages patients with the most advanced screening technologies including Breast MRI.

Preconception Counseling

We recommend that patients with certain pre-existing medical conditions or with a history of a prior pregnancy complication see us for preconception counseling. Preconception counseling provides a thorough understanding of risk and allows for appropriate preparation of a care plan designed to optimize the outcome of future pregnancies.