To help ensure that every mother to be delivers a health baby, the Center for Prenatal Diagnosis brings together experts in every area of prenatal care to assist expectant mothers whose pregnancies may pose problems.

Genetic studies performed on placental tissue, amniotic fluid and blood can help determine whether a fetus has a chromosome abnormality such as Down syndrome, a hereditary condition such as a neural tube defect or other disorders. Genetic counselors are on staff to identify families at risk, discuss family history and educate patients about procedures and test results. In addition, supportive counseling is available for patients who experience a complicated pregnancy, recurrent pregnancy loss or the loss of a child with a birth defect.

If a patient's routine ultrasound or other symptoms indicate a potential problem with the baby, the Center for Prenatal Diagnosis performs more sophisticated ultrasound studies that can diagnose fetal abnormalities and study fetal processes such as movement and blood flow.

A pregnancy that is confirmed to be high risk requires careful management. The center's physicians work closely with a high-risk patient and her physician so hazards to the patient and her baby are minimized. To help correct problems prior to birth, physicians can perform intrauterine procedures such as blood sampling and transfusions.

The keys to a healthy, successful pregnancy are information and good medical care. The services provided by the Center for Prenatal Diagnosis can give an expectant mother everything she needs to prepare for the birth of her baby in the way that's best for both of them.

The Center For Prenatal Diagnosis offers the following specialty areas:

Genetic studies

• Chorionic villus sampling
• Amniocentesis
• Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein
• Triple screening
• DNA testing
• Recurrant pregnancy loss studies
• First Trimester Screening

Ultrasound studies

• 2D, 3D/ 4D
• Two-dimensional, real-time ultrasonography
• Fetal echocardiography
• Biophysical profile studies
• Doppler ultrasonography

Maternal-fetal medicine

• High-risk consultation
• Amniocentesis for Delta OD450 (Fetal Blood incompatibility)
• Amniocentesis for fetal maturity studies

Other invasive procedures

• Cordocentesis (Fetal Cord Blood Sampling)
• Intrauterine blood transfusion
• Aspiration of fetal fluid
• Intravenis placement of fetal shunts

The Center For Prenatal Diagnosis is part of CMC's Women's Institute in Charlotte, NC. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-355-3149.