Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialty Clinics

MetroHealth offers a number of specialized clinics and programs to address specific concerns during pregnancy. 

To make an appointment regarding high-risk pregnancy issues, call the Maternal-Fetal Medicine department at 216-778-4444.

Diabetes in Pregnancy Clinic

Diabetes is becoming more prevalent in expectant women. At MetroHeath we provide comprehensive care and/or co-management for women with preexisting diabetes and gestational diabetes. We offer preconceptional and early pregnancy evaluation and care.

Many of our patients participate in MetroHealth diabetes research studies, with a goal of improving outcomes for both mother and child.

• Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 IDDM
• Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus Type II
• Gestational Diabetes
• Obesity
• Bariatric Surgery

High Risk Clinic: Medical and Obstetrical Complications Clinic

If you have a high-risk medical condition, our maternal-fetal medicine sub-specialists can provide expert advice and care throughout your pregnancy. The clinic offers treatment for conditions such as:

• Chronic hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Cardiac and pulmonary disease
• Thyroid disease
• Maternal infections, such as HIV
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus
• Connective tissue diseases
• Thrombophilias
• Inherited anemias
• Substance dependency: Mother and Child Dependency Program 

In addition, women with pregnancies complicated by conditions such as prior fetal loss, abnormal fetal growth and abruption and placenta previa are seen here.

Prematurity Clinic

The focus is on the care of women with prior preterm birth and those with current pregnancy complications – such as preterm labor, multifetal gestations or short cervical length – that put them at high risk for preterm birth. Patients are evaluated for correctable risk factors and offered specific treatments. Physicians are able to monitor the patient’s progress and minimize the risks for both mother and child.

Fetal Care Clinic

We offer specialized care for complications such as severe fetal growth restriction (IUGR), fetal malformations, twin pregnancy complications including twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), twin anemia polycythemia syndrome (TAPS) and selective IUGR, fetal infections, red cell or platelet alloimmunization. We routinely work with patients continuing pregnancies with known or suspected chromosome malformations. With focused monitoring, we are able to make critical decisions regarding treatment options and delivery times. Our maternal-fetal medicine experts and nurse coordinator work together on therapies and consultations with our Pediatric medical, genetic and surgical teams.

• First trimester anomaly evaluation
• Chorionic Villus Sampling
• Amniocentesis
• 3 and 4 Dimensional Imaging
• Fetal Echocardiography
• Fetal Neurosonography
• Fetal testing
  • Non-stress Testing
  • Contraction stress testing
  • Biophysical Profile
  • Fetal Doppler Assessment
  • Amniotic Fluid Assessment
• Fetal transfusions
• Amnioreduction

Fetal Diagnostic Center

With your health and the health of your baby a priority, we provide a variety of services including:

• Combined blood tests and ultrasound screening for Down syndrome and other chromosome conditions in the first trimester
• Prenatal evaluations for fetal abnormalities, growth disturbances and medication/drug exposure during pregnancy
• Specialized monitoring for complicated pregnancies
• Screening and diagnostic testing, including amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling and fetal blood sampling
• Genetic ultrasound for evaluation of pregnancies at increased risk for chromosome abnormalities
• Complete genetic counseling and testing, such as parental carrier status for various genetic conditions
• Intrauterine procedures such as fetal transfusions, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic drainage procedures for conditions such as urinary tract obstruction, fetal masses and fetal fluid collections

Genetics Clinic

• Advanced Maternal Age (women who are 35 or older and men who are 50 or older)
• Personal or family history of a genetic condition or birth defect
• Exposures to chemicals or medications that may increase the risk for birth defects
• Maternal health condition that increases the risk for birth defects (such as diabetes)
• Couples who are related to each other by blood (ex. first cousins)
• Ethnic background that increases the risk for certain genetic conditions
• Fetal abnormalities detected by ultrasound examination
• Prenatal screening that suggests an increased risk for a fetal abnormality
• Prenatal diagnosis that reveals a genetic condition in the fetus
• Concerns regarding carrier status of a specific genetic condition

To make an appointment regarding high-risk pregnancy issues, call the Maternal-Fetal Medicine department at 216-778-4444.