This clinic first opened in 1984. Since then, the program's medical staff has grown to include six full-time perinatalogists with specialized skills in obstetric ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis, fetal intervention, and obstetric management of the complicated pregnancy. One of our perinatologists also has advanced training in medical genetics. The center has three full time genetic counselors and three patient appointment coordinators.
Our Mission
To provide all patients or families who request or need it, a comprehensive, high-quality genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis service.
Who should be referred for genetic counseling?
- Couples or individuals with a family history of inherited diseases such as spina bifida or cystic fibrosis
- Couples or individuals with a history of repeated pregnancy loss or stillbirths
- Couples or individuals who have previously given birth to a child with a genetic disease or birth defect
- Women over the age of 35 or men who are 55 or older
- Women with abnormal ultrasounds, positive serum screens or current or prior fetuses affected by chromosomal abnormalities
- Women who have specific concerns about exposures to certain drugs, chemicals or infection during pregnancy
- Anyone with questions or concerns about risks in their pregnancy
What services are available?
- Genetic counseling
- Teratogen counseling
- Genetic amniocentesis
- Fetal diagnostic ultrasound and echocardiography
- Maternal serum screening and follow-up
- Recurrent pregnancy loss evaluation
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Fetal umbilical cord sampling
- Fetal blood transfusions
- Fetal shunt placements
- DNA analysis
- Support Groups
What does genetic counseling involve?
The Prenatal Diagnosis Program consists of a group of specially trained genetic counselors, obstetricians, ultrasonographers and laboratory personnel. This service is designed to help people understand their risks of having a child with a birth defect and to learn more about their options so that they may make more informed decisions about having a baby.
When is genetic counseling appropriate?
It is helpful to know your options ahead of time since many screening or diagnostic tests can only be done before or very early in pregnancy. Therefore, the ideal time to receive genetic counseling is prior to a pregnancy. However, it is never too late to seek counseling and information.