Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Obstetrics concentrates on providing comprehensive care to both mother and baby through pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. We offer many specialty services, including:
Maternal Fetal Medicine
The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) and Perinatal Diagnostic Testing Center provides comprehensive care for women and their fetuses throughout their pregnancy. Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists provide care for both low and high risk pregnancies. Our expertise lies in managing high risk pregnancies including multiple pregnancies, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, fetuses with anomalies, genetic disorders, lupus, placental abnormalities, and infectious diseases. We collaborate with your general obstetrician to achieve healthy outcomes for both mother and baby.
Our team consists of three board certified MFM specialists, six sonographers, and a registered nurse. We work together to guide women and their partners through the process of genetic counseling, fetal diagnostics and treatment, and labor and delivery.
Perinatal Diagnostic Testing / Fetal Assessment
During some pregnancies, your doctor may recommend additional fetal assessment tests to monitor the health of your baby. These tests may include:
Non-stress Test
This test, also known as fetal heart rate monitoring, is a common prenatal test used to check on a baby’s health. During this non-invasive test, two sensors that connect to a fetal monitor will be placed on your belly to measure your baby’s movement, heartbeat, and contractions. The test notes changes in heart rhythm when your baby goes from resting to moving, or during contractions if you’re in labor.
A non-stress is usually performed after the 8th week of gestation. It can last anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour. The test is named “non-stress” because it places no stress on the fetus.
Biophysical Profile and Amniotic Fluid Index
A biophysical profile (BPP) is an ultrasound exam that observes the health of your baby during your pregnancy. It determines your baby’s heart rate, muscle tone, breathing efforts and movement of your baby. A BPP is commonly done in the third trimester of pregnancy and some high risk patients have a BPP test every week or twice a week during the third trimester.
An additional part of a BPP is an amniotic fluid index (AFI). This is an ultrasound exam that measures the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby and is an indicator of fetal well-being. An AFI score (expressed in cm) given to the amount of amniotic fluid seen on ultrasonography of a pregnant uterus.
High Risk Pregnancy
Every pregnancy is unique and special. If your pregnancy becomes complicated, you’ll need specialized care. Our Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists are trained to take care of you and work together with your doctor throughout your pregnancy.
Prenatal care for high risk pregnancies are provided at our Perinatal Diagnostic Testing Center (PDTC) located inside the Women’s Health Center. To schedule an appointment, call 718-291-3276.
