The good news is that most babies are born healthy. But as an expectant mother, you naturally have questions and concerns.
Our women’s health experts are dedicated to the care of mothers-to-be who have pre-existing medical problems and to those who develop complications during pregnancy.
We have the most comprehensive team of experienced maternal fetal medicine specialists in the mid-Missouri area. From routine diagnostic tests to complex pregnancies, we specialize in treating pregnant women who need an extra measure of care.
Helping you manage a high-risk pregnancy
Having a medical condition during pregnancy can be frightening. Our team of maternal fetal medicine specialists is here to help you manage:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cardiovascular problems
- Diabetes
- History of previous complications
- Hypertension
- Incompetent cervix
- Intestinal disease
- Kidney disease
- Lupus
- Multiple gestations
- Neurological disease
- Preterm labor
- Seizure disorders
- Thyroid disease
As our patient, you can rest assured that you’ll receive a customized treatment plan — fully tailored to your unique needs. Our obstetricians develop and coordinate your care plan with other specialty providers such as:
- Cardiologists
- Endocrinologists
- Genetic counselors
- Nephrologists
- Radiologists
We may take responsibility for your care for the duration of your pregnancy or we’ll work together with your obstetrician and/or primary care physician to co-manage the care of your pregnancy.
Screening tests we offer
The focus of our service is early detection and treatment, to allow for the best possible outcomes for mom and baby.
We use state-of-the-art testing and screening techniques including:
- 3-D / 4-D ultrasound. In this type of screening, our technician takes multiple 3-D or 4-D computerized images using ultrasound waves that allow your doctor to obtain a better picture of your growing baby.
- Amniocentesis. In this type of screening, an expert obtains a sampling of amniotic fluid from the uterus (using a hollow needle) to test for various conditions.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). In this type of screening, an expert obtains a sample of cells (called chorionic villi) from the placenta where it attaches to the wall of the uterus to test for various conditions.
- Fetal echocardiography. In this type of screening, our technician uses sound waves that “echo” off your baby’s heart to check the structure and function of the growing heart.
- Fetal monitoring. Your doctor will perform fetal monitoring at your regular check-ups, which check your baby’s heart rate. During labor, fetal monitoring also measures the progression of your contractions.
- Genetic (Level II) ultrasound. This is a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of your baby’s anatomy and development that allows your doctor to check that everything is progressing well.
- Nuchal translucency. In this type of test, an expert checks the thickness of the fluid build-up at the back of your baby’s developing neck. If this build-up is thicker than usual, this may indicate Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or heart problems.
- Ultrasound color flow Doppler. In this type of screening, the doctor uses sound waves to check how blood is flowing through blood vessels, so he or she can assess blood flow through your baby’s arms, legs, neck and other important areas of the body.
Cardio-Obstetric Care
Heart disease is the top cause for maternal mortality in the state of Missouri, but other heart health issues such as high blood pressure or heart rhythm disorders also contribute to a higher risk of complication for mom and baby during pregnancy.
Our maternal fetal medicine specialists have extra training to provide high-quality, expert care for women with known cardiac conditions who need close monitoring during pregnancy, and for women who are diagnosed with cardiac conditions during pregnancy.
Obstetricians and cardiologists are both present during the same visit to make sure women with heart conditions receive the care they need for a safe pregnancy and delivery. This team approach to care helps make sure women receive the best care possible for themselves and their child, from neonatal monitoring through labor and delivery and continuing into postpartum care.
MU Health Care's cardio-obstetric clinic also includes nursing and imaging support. Bringing these services together gives patients and their families a complete view of the health of mom and baby. And for patients who live outside of the Columbia area, our experts work directly with established primary care providers to keep care close to home whenever possible, giving families peace of mind and support throughout the process.
