Most pregnancies and deliveries go smoothly; however some pregnancies need to be watched more closely than others.
Perinatologists at Lancaster General Health Physicians Maternal-Fetal Medicine care for women whose pregnancies are considered high risk. These physicians are obstetricians with advanced specialty training.
Why See a Perinatologist?
Don’t be alarmed if your doctor refers you to us. It doesn't mean that your pregnancy will be difficult or that something is wrong with your baby. Your doctor, obstetrician or midwife may refer you to us for a consultation if your baby has been diagnosed with, or is at risk for a problem, or if you have certain health conditions. Your doctor may also want you to see a perinatologist if you:
- Are 16 or younger and pregnant
- Are 35 or older and pregnant
- Are expecting multiple births, such as twins, triplets or more
- Had problems with past pregnancies
- Have a family history of medical or genetic problems
- Have a history of high blood pressure
- Have diabetes
- Have kidney problems
- Have or had cancer
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Offerings
We provide screenings, monitoring, education and care for mothers and their unborn babies who may be at risk for complications during pregnancy and childbirth. These include a variety of prenatal testing and diagnostics:
- Carrier screenings for cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs and other genetic conditions
- First trimester screening
- Genetic counseling
- High-risk pregnancy care
- Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), also called cell-free fetal DNA screening
- Pre-conception counseling
- Prenatal consultations
- Prenatal diagnostics and testing, including non-stress tests and amniocentesis
- Testing for high-risk indicators
- Ultrasound, including 3D/4D ultrasound, when medically indicated
In addition to our perinatologists, your care team may include a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, genetic counselor, or certified ultrasound technologist. We will work in collaboration with your obstetrician, who will continue to provide your prenatal care and deliver your baby.
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Appointments
We accept patients by physician referral. Your physician’s office will make the referral and we will contact you with your appointment information.
We make every attempt to see all of our patients in a timely fashion; however, due to the nature of the medical issues our patients face, you may occasionally experience a delay. We appreciate your patience.
During your visit, your medical history and condition will be openly discussed with you. Please consider this when choosing a support person who may accompany you to your appointment.
It is often necessary for us to see you more than once and we will schedule those visits before you leave. We will do our best to offer choices, and ask that you bring your calendar in anticipation of working together to schedule those appointments.
In addition to providing trusted care during your pregnancy and delivery, we offer programs and services to give your baby a healthy start, from genetic counseling and prenatal testing to newborn screenings and neonatal intensive care.