MATERNAL-FETAL
MEDICINE
AND
PRENATAL AND GENETIC
DIAGNOSTIC
SERVICES
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Physicians of the University of Chicago's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology provide specialty care in maternal-fetal medicine, targeted ultrasound, and prenatal and genetic diagnostic services.
MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE
Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists are board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and many have additional board certification in maternal-fetal medicine or clinical genetics. For women experiencing high-risk pregnancies, these physicians provide special care. Their patients include women with serious medical conditions, such as asthma, high blood pressure, kidney transplants, and diabetes. They also care for women whose pregnancies are complicated by multiple gestations, premature labor, or other high-risk conditions. These specialists examine, counsel, and help in planning the future pregnancies of women who have medical conditions which might complicate their pregnancies and women who have had previous pregnancies with unfavorable outcomes.TARGETED ULTRASOUND AND ANTENATAL TESTING
Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists provide targeted ultrasound and antenatal testing for fetal well-being. They use advanced ultrasound to detect many structural abnormalities in the fetus, such as congenital heart disease, spina bifida, and abnormalities of the limbs, kidney, bowel, and certain areas of the brain. To evaluate high-risk pregnancies, they can also conduct biophysical profiles, Doppler blood flow, non-stress, and stress testing.PRENATAL AND GENETIC DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
For couples considering having a child and for expectant parents, genetic and prenatal diagnostic services are available. Couples with an increased risk of specific genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, and cystic fibrosis may request carrier testing or DNA and enzyme-based prenatal testing. Prenatal diagnostic tests can detect many chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, and structural abnormalities in the developing fetus.REGIONAL PERINATAL CENTER
The University of Chicago has been designated as one of ten regional perinatal centers for the state of Illinois. The perinatal center provides care for women experiencing high risk pregnancies and for critically ill infants. Consultation support for community physicians is provided 24 hours/day through the obstetrical and neonatal hotline, and transfer/transport of patients to the University of Chicago is arranged when medically necessary.NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Our maternal-fetal medicine unit is one of thirteen programs across the country that have been chosen by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to conduct clinical trials to evaluate and improve maternal care and childbirth. The purpose of this multi-center research is to resolve controversies in the practice of perinatal medicine and to test the effectiveness of therapeutic regimens.To schedule an appointment for high risk maternity care or for prenatal or genetic diagnostic services, call (773) 702-6588 or toll free, 1 (888) UCH-0200.
