Prenatal Assessment (PNAC)
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 Prenatal Asssessment Centers, 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. We also offer pre-conception and genetic counseling.
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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
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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 and higher order of multiples
- Cervical insuffiency
- Uterine malformations
- Preterm labor
- Diabetes - Type l, ll and gestational
- Hypertension
- Gestational hypertension
- Preeclampsia
- Sickle cell
- Obesity
- Rh incompatibility
- Infections
- Other medical conditions exacerbated by pregnancy
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.
- Maternal blood testing for fetal DNA
- Doppler Studies – Assess the health of the placenta by measuring the flow of blood through the umbilical cord.
Diagnostic Procedures for Fetal Abnormalities
- 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.
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 American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and Fetal Echo 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
Racine
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints
3821 Spring Street • 262-687-3111