High-Risk Pregnancy in Westwood, New Jersey
At Pascack Valley Medical Center, we are committed to providing you and your baby with the best care possible. Our Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) staff provides comprehensive care for all expectant parents, including those at higher risk for complications. Our MFM unit is equipped with sophisticated technology and experienced doctors, nurses, and perinatologists who are prepared to work closely with mothers and their OB/GYNs at every stage of their pregnancy to ensure a safe labor and delivery.
Pregnancy Testing and Screening We Provide
At the request of the referring physician, our team will efficiently fill orders for tests and procedures, as well as provide in-depth, ongoing assistance to determine which diagnostic and therapeutic options are best for mothers and their babies.
We offer the following diagnostic tests and screens:
- Amniocentesis – Obtaining amniotic fluid samples helps physicians gather information so they can detect possible infections and birth defects.
- Biophysical profiles (BPP) – This test help doctors check the fetus’s heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, movement, and other characteristics.
- Doppler studies – Also called ultrasound flow or velocimetry studies, these studies can provide helpful information about fetal heart and brain development.
- Level I and II ultrasounds – These painless, non-invasive ultrasound scans can yield a range of information, from the size and position of your fetus to potential causes of pain and bleeding.
- Nuchal translucency screens – This specialized form of ultrasound measures the accumulation of a specific fluid in the neck of the fetus. The presence of a high fluid level has been linked to many conditions, including Down syndrome, congenital heart defects, and other rare conditions.
- Panorama testing – This non-invasive test analyzes fetal DNA to help determine whether further, late-stage testing is warranted.
- Quad screens – Performed at 15-22 weeks, this non-invasive blood test detects the possibility of birth defects by analyzing certain hormone levels and other indicators.
- Sequential screens – A two-part process implemented at 11-13 weeks and 15-22 weeks that involves two blood sample analyses and a nuchal translucency ultrasound.
We also offer genetic counseling. Since many types of screens are not definitive and the information they provide must be calculated with other known risk factors – such as the patient’s age and family history – genetic advisors can help to determine probability rates. Our genetic counselors are prepared to provide expecting mothers with meaningful support and offer referrals to those deemed at greatest risk for complicated outcomes.
Candidates for MFM Support
Maternal-fetal consultations are available to both pregnant women and those preparing for pregnancy. Many varied circumstances can signal the need for a perinatal consultation, including:
- Diabetes and other endocrine disorders
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Infectious diseases
- Kidney or gastrointestinal disease
- Preeclampsia (toxemia)
Prior Pregnancy History:
- Recurrent pre-term labor and delivery
- History of miscarriages or stillbirth
- Past fetal abnormalities
Recognized Risk Factors:
- Multiple births (twins, triplets, or more)
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Signs of fetal growth restriction (underweight fetus)
- Smoking, alcohol, or illicit drug use
Having a high-risk pregnancy can be stressful, but our highly trained staff is prepared to offer you compassionate care throughout the entirety of your pregnancy. Our goal is to help you enjoy the most important, memorable parts of the birth of your child and make sure you and your baby remain safe and healthy.