Prenatal Assessment Centers (PNAC)
If pregnancy complications are suspected or arise, you want to know that the most advanced technology and care will be available for you and your baby. As a statewide leader in the care of mothers and babies, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is proud to offer the most comprehensive programs in the Milwaukee area for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of high-risk pregnancies.
Statewide Leader
In 1990, Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph was the first facility in Wisconsin to offer a Prenatal Assessment Center (PNAC). Centers are also located at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints, Elmbrook Memorial, St. Francis and Wauwatosa.
The PNAC Team
The Prenatal Assessment program is directed by an outstanding group of highly trained and experienced maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Also known as perinatologists, these specialists have advanced training and skill in diagnosing and treating the complications of pregnancy and the conditions of the developing fetus.
Integral to our PNAC team are skilled and experienced nurses with expertise in the management of high-risk pregnancy. PNAC nurses provide clinical care, patient education, help coordinate care, offer a reassuring presence during what can be a stressful time.
In addition, board-certified perinatal ultrasound sonographers, social workers, dietitians, 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 the patient's obstetrician or primary care physician, our team co-manages the patient's care, offering information about the most advanced techniques and methods to diagnose and treat complicated pregnancies.
Women may be referred to our PNACs 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 3D/4D ultrasound (state-of-the-art)
- First trimester screening/nuchal fold
- Detailed ultrasound
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
- Amniocentesis
- Fetal echocardiography
- First trimester screening/nuchal fold
- Assessment of fetal well being
- NST
- BPP
- Doppler
- NST
- Consultation (outpatient and inpatient)
- Preconception
- Genetic counseling
- Conditions complicating pregnancy, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.
- Poor obstetric history
- Cerclag
- Preconception
- Assessment of cervix/uterine malformation
- Breech external version
- Management of diabetes
- Surgical procedures
- Cerclage (prophylactic and rescue)
- PUBS
- Fetal shunt placement (thoracic and bladder)
- Assessment and management of Rh disease, cerebral Doppler evaluations, intrauterine transfusion
- Assessment and management of Twin to Twin Syndrome in concert with Dr. Julian E. De Lia, MD, medical director of the International Institute for the Treatment of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Prenatal Care Close to Home
Locations
Prenatal Assessment Centers (PNAC) are located throughout Southeast Wisconsin so patients and their families can receive care close to home. This is particularly important during what can be an exciting yet stressful time for the entire family.
Wauwatosa (main office)
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare --Wauwatosa
201 N. Mayfair Road, 3rd Floor
(414) 259-7480
Brookfield
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -- Elmbrook Memorial
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
Racine
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -- All Saints
St. Luke's Health Pavilion
3821 Spring Street
(262) 687-3111
For more information on our Prenatal Assessment Centers, please call: Wauwatosa location at 414-259-7480.