Most pregnancies progress ever-so-normally over the usual nine months. However, should a problem, abnormality or unusual symptom arise, you want help and answers right away. When you choose Elmbrook Memorial for your care, you can rest assured that Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare has some of the most highly skilled physicians in the Milwaukee area who are specially trained in diagnosing, treating and managing any health concerns of both mother and baby.

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Physicians are perinatologists highly experienced and skilled in the care of the developing, unborn child and in quickly diagnosing and treating any concerns, risks or complications that arise. Combining years of expertise with the latest resources and technology, they are experts in high-risk pregnancies and deliveries.

With more than 60 years combined experience, our Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians are on the medical staff of every Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare hospital in southeastern Wisconsin.  They staff our Prenatal Assessment Centers in Brookfield, Milwaukee, Wauwatosa and Racine. Working as specialty consultants, they will partner very closely with your OB/GYN to co-manage your pregnancy for both your and your baby’s optimal health.

Specialized services

• Quad Screening—A blood test that screens for open neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, abdominal wall defects and chromosome changes such as Down syndrome.
• Amniocentesis— The testing the amniotic fluid to identify or rule out chromosome abnormalities such as Down syndrome, open spina bifida, or genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. 
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)—Testing of tissue from the developing placenta to identify or rule out chromosome abnormalities such as Down syndrome and certain genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis.
• Fetal Blood Sampling— Sampling a small amount of the baby’s blood from the umbilical cord to help diagnose, treat and monitor various conditions throughout pregnancy.
• Doppler Studies—Asses the health of the placenta by measuring the flow of blood through the umbilical cord.
• Fetal Echocardiogram— Ultrasound testing to evaluate the structure and function of the baby’s heart and identify a congenital heart defect. 
• High resolution 3D/4D ultrasound  - offering clear and in-depth views of the developing child.

Treating the unborn baby
The following issues can be addressed and managed prior to a baby’s birth:

• Cleft lip and/or palate
• Congenital hernias
• Congenital heart defects
• Fetal anemia and intrauterine blood transfusions
• Neurological defects
• Urologic defects
• Gestational diabetes
• Orthopedic abnormalities including club feet and scoliosis
• Other abnormalities or challenges

Treating the mom-to-be
For preconception issues, or complications that occur during pregnancy, such as diabetes or hypertension, we guide patients to the best and safest course of treatment available. Through genetic counseling, we can help determine whether there may be an increased risk for certain birth defects. 

Issues affecting the mother that can be treated include:

• Diabetes
• Preterm labor
• Pregnancy induced hypertension
• Small for gestational age baby
• Pre-eclampsia
• Bleeding
• Abnormalities of the reproductive tract
• Rh incompatibility
• Infections
• Other medical conditions exacerbated by pregnancy

Preventing prematurity
Women with a history of previous preterm birth, multiple gestation, cervical surgery, uterine malformations or preterm labor in current pregnancy can benefit from the expertise of our Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians for treatment including:

• Preterm labor prevention, symptoms and instruction
• Cervical surveillance via transvaginal ultrasound
• Medication instruction, including hormonal supplements
• Nutritional counseling

•  Talk with your OB/Gyn or primary care physician regarding high-risk pregnancy or any concerns you have about your or your baby’s health.
•  Find a Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare OB/GYN physician near your home or work.
•  Learn more about Wheaton Franciscan Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists by calling (414) 259-7480.