Procedures

Prenatal Invasive Procedures should be performed by a perinatologist to minimize risk to your pregnancy. Invasive procedures are beneficial in there ability to provide detailed information about a pregnancy; this information might aid in your care moving forward. Other procedures help prolong a pregnancy preventing health consequences of premature birth.

Diagnostic Amniocentesis

Guided by ultrasound, the Perinatologist inserts a small needle through the uterus into the sac to collect a small amount of amniotic fluid. We use this fluid to test for genetic diseases, fetal lung maturity, or infection.

Therapeutic Amniocentesis

In some cases, a pregnancy presents with too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios). To reduce the risk of early birth and to treat certain fetal diseases the Perinatologist might perform a therapeutic amniocentesis. Guided by ultrasound, the MFM places a needle in the uterus and draws out amniotic fluid through a syringe.

Chorionic Villus Sampling

In a CVS, the MFM uses a thin tube or a needle to sample the placenta during the first trimester of the pregnancy. The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance and the sample can be collected either through the mother’s cervix or abdomen. The placental sample is used to test for certain fetal diseases and health conditions

Fetal Blood Sampling Transfusion

Guided by ultrasound, an MFM can insert a needle into the umbilical cord to collect a fetal blood sample to diagnosis certain diseases.

Bladder Stent

In cases of fetal bladder outlet obstruction, in-utero surgery is performed by placing a a stent inside the fetal bladder to correct and preserve renal function. This procedure is performed with ultrasound guidance to ensure the well-being of the baby inside the womb.

Fetal Blood Transfusion

Guided by ultrasound, the Perinatologist inserts a needle into the umbilical cord and transfuses blood to a baby while it’s still inside the womb. This is done in an effort to treat severe fetal anemia.

Cerclage

In simple terms, a cerclage is a stitch that strengthens your cervix to prevent pregnancy loss or preterm labor.