Maternal-fetal care

At our Center for Maternal/Fetal Health, our perinatologists (also called high-risk pregnancy doctors) can manage a wide range of conditions and are ready to help ensure you have a safe delivery. These highly skilled physicians are even able to treat some conditions before your baby is born through highly specialized, fetal and neonatal interventional care, such as:

• Fetoscopic surgery
  • Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele for severe spina bifida
  • Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for the treatment of severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)
  • Fetoscopic bipolar cord coagulation (BCC)
  • Fetoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Ultrasound-guided fetal interventions
  • Ultrasound-guided bladder and amniotic shunt placement
  • Ultrasound-guided intrafetal radiofrequency ablation
• Other fetal interventions that include EXIT procedures for the delivery of babies with a compromised airway due to a variety of causes

Placenta accreta treatment center

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder refers to a range of high-risk pregnancy conditions that occur when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. The rare condition affects only an estimated 0.2 percent of pregnancies, but its complications can be severe.

Those at risk of developing placenta accreta include women who have had previous Cesarean sections, have an abnormal position of the placenta (i.e., placenta previa), are 35 years old or older, have had previous uterine surgeries and/or have received in vitro fertilization.

Our Placenta Accreta Center of Excellence is a regional leader in diagnosing, treating, and following up care of placenta accreta spectrum patients. Our comprehensive program includes:

• Specialized, highly experienced maternal fetal medicine physicians
• Multidisciplinary diagnosis and care through the collaboration of gynecologic oncologists, maternal fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, interventional radiologists, neonatal nurse navigators and clinical health psychologists
• Highly personalized care provided through an attending-only model
• The region’s only Level IV Maternal Fetal Program located on the same site as its Level IV NICU
• A hybrid operating room where maternal fetal medicine specialists, gynecologic oncologists and interventional radiologists perform collaborative procedures
• Psychological support before, during and after birth
• Ongoing social/emotional support, including online support groups and nurse navigation

Our center is unique as we can support the highest level of care for mom and baby under one roof. Additionally, our maternal/fetal specialists are not only experts in the field but also passionate about providing advanced, high-quality treatments with a comprehensive, compassionate care system.

To learn more about our placenta accreta program, contact a nurse navigator at (720) 754-7642.

Our maternal fetal health program offers the highest level of care available in the region for babies that need the most intensive medical attention after birth. Our 84-bed, Level IV NICU has a team of compassionate, accomplished support staff and board-certified neonatal surgeons, pediatric surgeons and specialists who are active in private practice and highly experienced in their fields.

Our multidisciplinary team is uniquely equipped with expertise and the latest technology. This enables us to be able to handle all aspects of a safe pregnancy and delivery as well as provide pediatric surgery post-delivery for babies diagnosed with rare and complex conditions, this includes:

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation care (CCAM)

CCAM is the most common type of fetal lung lesion. Babies who undergo CCAM treatment or surgery usually see no negative long-term effects. Because the lungs continue to grow as the child ages, even one that required surgery after birth has little impact while the lungs develop to their normal size.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) care

This complex condition occurs when twins who share a placenta are connected through a network of abnormal blood vessels that cause them to share blood unequally. Our team will work with you to create a plan of treatment that takes into consideration the TTTS stages, progression of the condition, the babies’ gestational age and your wishes.

Some of the treatments we offer include:

• Serial amniocentesis
• Amniotic septostomy
• Selective cord coagulation

Our team will explain all possible treatment options and what risks each carries. Support is available at every step of the diagnosis and treatment process.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) care

CDH is a birth abnormality in which the diaphragm does not form properly. Babies who have been diagnosed with CDH are carefully monitored during pregnancy and a plan for delivery is arranged at a specialized facility, such as our hospital. Our surgeons use a minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach to move the displaced organs back to the abdomen and repair the hole.

Fetal hydrocephalus care

Hydrocephalus is caused by the widening of spaces in the brain (ventricles). Excess cerebrospinal fluid can lead to harmful pressure on the brain tissue.

During pregnancy, the main treatment method for fetal hydrocephalus is careful observation. Your maternal-fetal physician will closely monitor your baby for signs of distress, and they will talk with you about an early delivery. If needed, your baby can receive care in our Level IV NICU and our physicians will work with you to decide what type of treatment to pursue.