The Center for Perinatal Care & Resident Continuity Clinic
Prenatal Diagnosis Center

Clinic Hours:

The Prenatal Diagnosis Center is a full service diagnostic center jointly operated by Meriter Hospital and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health. The center is the only facility in the region to be accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

The Diagnosis Center provides:

• Ultrasounds
  Educational information about ultrasounds is available in our Healthy Living – Ultrasounds section.
• Genetic Counseling
  For more information, visit the Genetic Counseling section.
• Antepartum Surveillance
  • Non-Stress Tests
    Non-stress testing (NST) involves monitoring an unborn baby's heart rate over time. The test takes from 20-60 minutes. For more information, visit our Healthy Living – Non-Stress Tests section.
  • Amniotic Fluid Volume Index
    This is a measurement of the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby, done with the assistance of ultrasound.
  • Biophysical Profiles
    This is a combination of data from fetal heart rate monitoring and ultrasound imaging. The profile includes the Non-Stress Test, ultrasound measurement of the amniotic fluid volume, and observation of fetal breathing movements, body movements and tone.

Ultrasound Services

• First Trimester Screen
  This is a screening test that helps identify patients at an increased risk for Down syndrome and trisomy 18, but does not diagnose these conditions in the baby. Most women between 11-14 weeks of pregnancy are eligible for this optional test. This screen involves:
  • A special ultrasound examination called a nuchal translucency exam, which looks at the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck
  • A blood test that measures levels of two proteins
  • A personalized risk assessment
  • A comprehensive genetics program that gives a more complete screen for the patient
• Targeted Ultrasound
  This ultrasound is offered around 20 weeks of pregnancy and is used to screen for fetal structural, genetic and growth abnormalities. The sonographer and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist use the ultrasound to look at the placenta and amniotic fluid along with the fetal heart, brain, spine, kidneys, abdomen, extremities and facial features. A normal ultrasound may indicate a reduced, but not eliminated, risk of specific abnormalities.
• Amniocentesis
  Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that helps to discover if a fetus has health problems. The test is most often done between weeks 15 and 18 of pregnancy. For more information, visit our Healthy Living – Amniocentesis section.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling
  Chorionic Villus Sampling is also known as placental biopsy, and the test is most often done between weeks 9 and 11 of pregnancy. For more information, visit our Healthy Living – Chorionic Villus Sampling section.
• Fetal Blood Sampling
  This procedure is also known as percutaneous blood sampling, or PUBS. This is a procedure to remove a small amount of blood from the fetus during pregnancy. Fetal blood sampling is performed by Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists to diagnose, treat and monitor various fetal problems.

Our staff includes four Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists and five sonographers. A Clinical Nurse Specialist coordinates appropriate disciplines and services needed to establish a pregnancy and post-delivery plan of care for the family. For more information, visit the Our Staff section.

3/8/2007