Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
(973) 322-5287

Pregnancy Complications Treated by The Division

The most common reason for a patient to be referred to the Division is prenatal diagnosis; that is, to determine if the fetus appears to be developing normally. Through the use of tools such as ultrasound, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling and/or genetic counseling, our perinatal team can help expectant parents know if their baby seems to be growing normally within the womb.

When problems develop, our physicians work with pediatric surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, neonatologists and geneticists at Saint Barnabas Medical Center to ensure that each baby receives the best care possible. This multi-disciplinary team provides families with the most empathetic, knowledgeable and up-to-date caregivers in their time of need.

• Some conditions involving the fetus, such as an arrhythmia detected before birth, can be treated through fetal intervention and surgeries.
  
• Many women have pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, hypertension orlupus, that may worsen because of pregnancy and threaten the health of mother and baby. The Maternal-Fetal team evaluates and treats these women with specialized care, such as fetal echocardiograms, antepartum fetal surveillance, postpartum care and a diabetic program that includes everything from preconceptional counseling to home glucose monitoring.
  
  
• Some pregnant women develop complications unique to pregnancy, such as preterm labor, premature ruptured membranes, preeclampsia or complications due to multiple pregnancies, and require assistance.
  
  
• Many women are referred for evaluation of prior pregnancy losses. Women with multiple first trimester losses or fetal loss of any kind in the second and third trimester may benefit from a detailed evaluation to help determine the potential cause of those losses. Many losses may be due to a correctable condition that can be treated.

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