Pregnancy is a wonderful time of life that you will remember and cherish. It’s a time of dreams and optimism; of a beautiful process of life and development.  It’s also the time to ensure a healthy process for both mother and child.  A time of precaution and care. 
At Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Center for Fetal Diagnostics, our Maternal Fetal Medicine Physicians are 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 manage and co-manage with your OB-GYN any health concerns that confront both mother and child from preconception to pregnancy and through delivery.

Early Screenings and Testing
If a problem is suspected, early screening is essential. Some screenings can be performed as early as 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Our physicians combine results of blood tests with ultrasound images to create a personalized risk assessment for a wide variety of concerns and complications.

Maternal Diagnosis and Management
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.
Issues affecting the mother include: 

• Twins, triplets…
• Incompetent cervix
• Uterine malformations
• Preterm labor
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Preclampsia
• Sickle cell
• Obesity
• Rh incompatibility
• Infections
• Other medical conditions exacerbated by pregnancy

 
We also offer pre-conception and genetic counseling.

Non-invasive Tests for Fetal Abnormalities

• Genetic and detailed ultrasounds using 3D and 4D technology. Can be performed during 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimesters.
• Fetal Echocardiogram – Ultrasound testing to evaluate the structure and function of the baby’s heart and identify a congenital heart defect.
• Nuchal Translucency with blood test – Early blood test to determine if you are at risk for chromosomal abnormality such as Down’s syndrome, Trisomy 13 or 18. Testing is crucial between 11 and 14 weeks.
• Quad Screening – A blood test that screens for open neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, abdominal wall defects, and chromosome changes. Typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy, between 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.
• Options for maternal blood testing – To identify any fetal chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome.
• Doppler Studies – Assess the health of the placenta by measuring the flow of blood through the umbilical cord.

Diagnostic Procedures for Fetal Abnormalities

• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) – Biopsy of the placenta taken between 10-14 weeks to identify chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome.
• Amniocentesis – Testing the amniotic fluid to identify or rule out chromosome abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome, open spina bifida, or genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Generally performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
• Counseling and screening for other common hereditary illnesses including Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell, Alpha and Beta Thalassemia, Fragile X, and Tay Sachs Disease.

Fetal Diagnosis
Our Maternal Fetal experts collaborate with pediatric specialists on staff at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in cardiology, urology, and various other surgical specialties in the  treatment and care of the following conditions:

• Cleft lip and/or palate
• Congenital hernias
• Congenital heart defects
• Fetal anemia and intrauterine blood transfusions
• Neurological defects
• Urologic defects
• Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
• Small babies and large babies
• Orthopedic abnormalities, including club feet and scoliosis
• Other abnormalities or challenges

Experienced Staff. Expert Care
Our Prenatal Assessment Centers are staffed by the area’s leading experts in Maternal- Fetal Medicine. Our physicians are long-time members of the medical staffs of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare hospitals and serve as medical staff for Wheaton Franciscan’s hospital and outpatient-based Prenatal Assessment Centers in Brookfield, Milwaukee,  Wauwatosa, and Racine.

All Centers are AIUM certified.

Wauwatosa
Wheaton Franciscan – Wauwatosa Campus
201 N. Mayfair Road, 3rd floor • 414-259-7480

Brookfield
Wheaton Franciscan – Elmbrook Memorial Campus
19333 W. North Avenue • 262-785-2424

Milwaukee
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – St. Francis
3237 S. 16th Street • 414-647-5380

Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph Campus
5000 W. Chambers Street • 414-447-2569

Center for Fetal Diagnostics
Wheaton Franciscan – Wauwatosa Campus
201 N. Mayfair Road, 3rd floor • 414-259-7480

Our Center for Fetal Diagnostics is conveniently located at our Wauwatosa location for the care and treatment of pregnancies suspected to involve fetal complications.