Perinatal Associates of Sacramento, part of Pediatrix Medical Group

About Our Practice

Perinatal Associates of Sacramento, part of Pediatrix Medical Group provides specialized care for women with high-risk pregnancies. Our experienced multi-disciplinary team partners with local obstetricians and specialists to bring high-quality maternal-fetal care to patients with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, advanced maternal age, pre-term labor, fetal abnormalities, multiple gestation, family history of genetic disease and other such complications.

Perinatal Associates of Sacramento has been awarded accreditation in focused obstetrical ultrasound and fetal echocardiography by the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine.

We offer a wide range of services including:

High-risk consultation and management
California Prenatal Screening Program
Advanced prenatal diagnosis (amniocentesis, chorionic villous sampling, first trimester nuchal screening)
Genetic counseling
Diagnostic and screening ultrasound
Fetal echocardiogram
Prenatal diagnosis
In utero fetal therapy
Abdominal and vaginal cerclage placement
Management of maternal complications in pregnancy
Preconception counseling

What is an MFM?

Our board-certified maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists provide prenatal care for expectant patients with complicated or high-risk pregnancies. They offer advanced medical care, monitoring and diagnostic services to help ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and her unborn baby. Our MFM specialists collaborate closely with OBGYNs, enhancing the comprehensive care provided to expectant mothers.

Services Offered

Amniocentesis
Antenatal (Prenatal) Testing (Screening)

Antenatal or prenatal diagnostic screening, refers to a variety of testing options available to determine if a fetus has certain abnormalities. Many of the tests are conducted by an obstetrician (OB) as routine prenatal screening, including ultrasound, nuchal translucency screening and testing of a pregnant woman's blood to help estimate the risk of certain abnormalities. When a test indicates a higher risk, additional tests are available to further analyze the fetus. These additional tests, such as amniocentesis and chronic villus sampling, are often more invasive and have additional risks to the fetus and should be conducted by a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist.
Chorionic Villus Sampling

CVS is a diagnostic test to screen for chromosome abnormalities and inherited disorders by analyzing the chorionic villi cells from the placenta. The placenta cells are collected either transcervically, using an ultrasound guided catheter inserted through the cervix to gently suction the cells, or transabdominally, through a long thin needle inserted into the placenta through the abdomen.
Fetal Echocardiogram
Special Ultrasound Exams

Our maternal-fetal medicine doctors have special training and certification to perform types of ultrasound that may not be available from a radiology service or a general obstetrician. These exams are performed in special situations, not in every pregnancy. Special exams include: Biophysical profile (A focused check of fetal movements and amniotic fluid (the liquid surrounding the fetus) to check on fetal well-being), Cervix length (If the cervix is short, there is a risk of preterm birth and special treatment might be needed), Doppler (Measurement of blood flow through certain blood vessels (umbilical cord, arteries in fetal brain, other blood vessels) to check on fetal well-being), Fetal echocardiogram (A detailed exam of the fetal heart to look for heart defects), 3-D Ultrasound (still pictures that appear 3-dimensional. These are used to get details for certain types of birth defects), 4-D ultrasound (Videos that appear 3-dimensional. These are used to get details of certain types of birth defects).
Management of Advanced Maternal Age

Women who become pregnant after age 35 are more likely to have pre-existing health problems that can complicate pregnancy and are at greater risk for complications like high blood pressure, abnormal fetal growth and diabetes in pregnancy. There is also an increased risk for certain fetal genetic abnormalities, specifically trisomies (where the fetus has an extra chromosome).
Management of Multiple Gestations (twins or more)

Pregnant women carrying multiples (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc.) are at an increased risk of experiencing complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight and preeclampsia. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist specializes in the care of women experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, such as multiples, and has the additional training and experience required to treat any complications experienced during a pregnancy.
Genetic Counseling

Support provided by a genetic professional or qualified physician to the patient and the doctor by identifying genetic risk, discussing family history, explaining available testing options and implications of test results, as well as providing patient education. Genetic counselors or qualified physicians, act as patient advocates translating medical and scientific knowledge into practical information. In addition, resources are available to provide support to anyone who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions or birth defects, such as cystic fibrosis or disorders common to a particular race or ethnic group. This information is provided in a non-directive, unbiased manner and allows the patient to make their own decisions regarding testing options.
High-Risk Obstetric Care and Consults

An extra level of care available to women at risk of experiencing problems during or after their pregnancy. A variety of risk factors can make a pregnancy high-risk, including advanced maternal age, chronic health conditions, problems with a previous pregnancy and problems that develop during pregnancy. A high-risk pregnancy means the baby is at a higher risk of having health problems during pregnancy, birth or after delivery. Women having a high-risk pregnancy should be seen more frequently for close monitoring by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, a physician specially trained to treat high-risk pregnancies.
Inpatient Consultation and Care
Pre-Conception Counseling

An evaluation of a woman's current health and medical history to help identify opportunities to better prepare the body for becoming pregnant and to counsel her on risks and management of future pregnancy. The evaluation may include a review of the patient's current lifestyle and medical/obstetric history, including current medications, screening and treatment for any infectious diseases, immunization updates, education and recommendations on behavior modifications to reduce risk factors.

Conditions Treated

Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure, can be present before pregnancy (chronic hypertension) or develop during pregnancy (gestational hypertension). Pregnant women with hypertension are at risk of developing preeclampsia, experiencing both high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby.
Heart Disease
Diabetes

Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder caused by diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage nerves throughout the body. - There are several types of diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy reduces the ability to sense pain, touch, temperature and vibration in certain parts of the body. It may also affect movement and muscle strength. - Autonomic neuropathy may cause problems with the nerves that control the involuntary functions of the body, such as heartbeat, blood pressure, sweating, digestion, urination and some aspects of sexual function. - Focal neuropathy affects a single nerve, most often in the wrist, thigh or foot. It may also affect the nerves of the back, chest and those that control the eye muscles. It often develops suddenly and is the rarest form.
Kidney Disease
Morbidly Obese Patients
Advanced Maternal Age

Women who become pregnant after age 35 are more likely to have pre-existing health problems that can complicate pregnancy and are at greater risk for complications like high blood pressure, abnormal fetal growth, and diabetes in pregnancy. There is also an increased risk for certain fetal genetic abnormalities, specifically trisomies (where the fetus has an extra chromosome).