CAMC Perinatal Diagnostic Center

Our Approach to Care

Ultrasound images are the first pictures you’ll see of your baby. The Perinatal Diagnostic Center at CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital provides routine pregnancy ultrasounds and more specialized tests for high-risk pregnancies, all in one convenient location. If you are having a high-risk pregnancy, our board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist will provide consultation and care before and after birth.

Our medical imaging technologists have advanced training in fetal imaging. Advanced imaging services at the Perinatal Center:

Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are done for many reasons during a pregnancy: to monitor fetal growth and anatomy, to assist in prenatal tests, to detect abnormalities and others. High-resolution, 3D and 4D ultrasounds are available at the Perinatal Center.

First-trimester screening (fetal nuchal translucency)
The first trimester screening is a combination of an ultrasound and blood test to evaluate for the risk of certain birth defects.

Amniocentesis
An amniocentesis is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a needle into the amniotic sac to sample the amniotic fluid for evaluation of certain birth defects.

Fetal Echocardiography
A fetal echocardiogram is done during pregnancy to evaluate the heart of the fetus.

Doppler studies
Doppler flow studies may be used to examine blood flow in the umbilical vein and arteries, fetal brain, fetal heart and other organs.

High-risk pregnancy evaluation and treatment

The team at the Perinatal Diagnostic Center provides consultation and treatment for women who are experiencing high-risk pregnancies, including these factors:

• Advanced maternal age
• Family history of genetic syndromes/birth defects
• Diabetes
• Blood clotting disorders
• Teratogen exposure during pregnancy
• Coexisting medical complications in pregnancy
• Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)

Genetic counseling is available to educate expectant parents and to discuss results of ultrasound findings, lab results and to follow up if needed. Women with high-risk diagnoses who may need treatment before or after birth will also have access to the pediatric specialists at CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital.

Services at the Perinatal Diagnostic Center require a physician referral. If you have any questions, please call (304) 388-1580.