Prenatal Assessment Center (PNAC) Expertise Saves Babies and Moms
If pregnancy complications are suspected or arise, you want to know that the most advanced technology and care is available for you and your baby. As a statewide leader in the care of mothers and babies, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive programs in the Milwaukee area for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of high-risk pregnancies.
The PNAC team
The Prenatal Assessment program is directed by our own maternal fetal medicine specialists. Also known as a perinatologist, maternal fetal medicine specialists have advanced training and skill in diagnosing and treating the complications of pregnancy and the conditions of the developing fetus.
Skilled and experienced nurses with expertise in the management of high-risk pregnancy are an important part of our team. PNAC nurses provide clinical care and patient education, and help coordinate care, offering a reassuring presence during what can be a stressful time.
In addition, board-certified perinatal ultrasound sonographers, social workers, dietitians, diabetes educators and anesthesiologists complete our multidisciplinary team. Our PNAC team works with top experts throughout the region in fetal therapy, surgery and neonatology, and with other pediatric specialists in urology, neurosurgery, cardiology, abdominal surgery and genetics.
Reasons for referral
Working collaboratively with each patient's obstetrician or primary care physician, our team co-manages our patients’ care, offering information about the most advanced techniques and methods to diagnose and treat complicated pregnancies.
Women may be referred to our PNAC due to:
- Advanced maternal age
- 1st trimester screening and nuchal fold assessment
- 2nd trimester screening and detailed anatomical survey
- Counseling for cerclage placement
- Chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, asthma or high blood pressure
- Exposure to infectious disease
- Exposure to alcohol, drugs, and toxic substances
- Fetal echo in maternal diabetes
- Preconception counseling
- Pregnancy of twins and higher multiples
- Prior miscarriage
- Prior premature birth
- Previous stillbirth
- Suspected fetal abnormalities
- Suspicion of an inherited condition
- Problem with previous pregnancy or delivery
- Uterine malformations
Services and procedures include:
- High resolution, state-of-the-art 3D/4D ultrasound
- Assessment of fetal well-being
- Consultation (outpatient and inpatient)
- Assessment of cervix/uterine malformation
- Breech external version
- Management of diabetes
- Surgical procedures
- Assessment and management of Rh disease, cerebral Doppler evaluations, intrauterine transfusion
For more information
- Talk to your primary care or OB/GYN for more information about high-risk pregnancy.
- Visit our Health Library to learn more about pregnancy and childbirth.