Management of the Diabetic Pregnancy
Management of the High Risk Pregnancy
High Resolution Ultrasound
Genetic Amniocentesis
Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)
Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MS-AFP) Testing and Follow-up Services
Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)
First Trimester freeBeta™/PAPP-A/NT Testing
Genetic Counseling

Management of the Diabetic Pregnancy
The Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists of IU Women's Healthcare manage more diabetic pregnancies than any other physician group in the state of Indiana. Our physicians are highly skilled at working with diabetic patients to ensure that they have the healthiest possible pregnancy and baby.

Management of the High Risk Pregnancy
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians are well trained to manage many types of high-risk pregnancies. They manage and deliver more high-risk pregnancies than any other group of physicians in the state of Indiana.

High Resolution Ultrasound
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine doctors use an advanced, highly sensitive, ultrasound that will allow them to detect certain birth defects. You may be referred to one of our high-risk obstetricians for a High Resolution Ultrasound if your primary Ob/Gyn physician believes that a specialist would be better able to evaluate and manage your pregnancy.

Genetic Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a small sample of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding your baby) is withdrawn from the uterus using a fine needle that is guided by ultrasound. The fluid contains cells from the baby that can be analyzed to detect a variety of genetic problems. Amniotic fluid contains Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), and the analysis of AFP allows physicians to screen for neural tube defects, ventral wall defects, and high-risk pregnancies.

Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)
CVS is a relatively new diagnostic test used early in a woman's pregnancy. With CVS, the doctor will remove a small amount of the villi (tissue that will eventually become the placenta) from your womb. The villi will be analyzed to screen for certain chromosomal or genetic problems that can be diagnosed in your baby. The doctor will use a fine needle to obtain the villi, and the needle will either be inserted into your abdomen or vagina to access the womb.

Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MS-AFP) Testing and Follow-up Services
Most general Obstetricians order an AFP test in the early portion of a woman's pregnancy. If the AFP test demonstrates that you have elevated AFP levels, it may indicate that your baby has certain birth defects. At IU Women's Healthcare, our high-risk obstetricians will work with your primary Ob/Gyn to analyze your AFP test and recommend additional tests that will help to determine the health of your baby.

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)
PUBS is a very new diagnostic test during which the doctor will remove a small amount of blood from the umbilical cord of your baby. A wide variety of diagnostic tests can be performed using the umbilical cord blood sample. PUBS may also be used if your baby requires a blood transfusion while he/she is still in your uterus. Using an ultrasound machine and a fine needle, the doctor can transfuse your baby's umbilical cord with blood if it is needed.

First Trimester freeBeta™/PAPP-A/NT Testing
This test is available to women during their first trimester of pregnancy (10weeks 4days-13weeks 3days), and it used to help identify babies who may be at risk for Down syndrome or Trisomy 18. The test involves both blood testing and a special ultrasound exam to help determine your baby's risk for birth defects.

Genetic Counseling
Genetic counselors are Master's prepared individuals who work with couples to understand the concerns associated with the occurrence, or the chance of occurrence, of a birth defect in a family. Genetic counselors help you to understand the medical facts, understand how a birth defect may be carried in a family, understand how to lower the risk of birth defects in a family, and make informed decisions about your pregnancy and the possibility that your baby may have birth defects.