Fetal Diagnosis and Care

Pregnant woman having her belly examined at doctors appointment

Fetal Diagnosis and Care Program

Most pregnant women know the guide “What To Expect When You’re Expecting.” But what can you expect when you’re expecting multiples? Or a child with a birth defect?

When you have a high-risk pregnancy, suddenly, the term “expectant parent” takes on a whole new meaning. The Ochsner team will not only help you learn what to expect; you’ll come to learn you can expect more from us.

The Fetal Care Program at Ochsner provides care for:

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)
Cleft lip and palate
Gastroschisis
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)
Bladder outlet obstruction
Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM)
Sacrococcygeal teratoma
Omphalocele
Fetal alloimmunization/Rh disease
Congenital heart defects

Ochsner offers:

The latest ultrasound technology
Diagnosis/treatment of fetal anomalies
Diagnosis of fetal chromosomal problems
Management of multiple pregnancies
A level III neonatal intensive care (NICU)

At Ochsner, specially-trained maternal-fetal medicine specialists – called perinatologists – have partnered with neonatology and pediatric surgery to make up one of the only 24/7 fetal therapy teams in the Gulf South. Our talented group of dedicated professionals works tirelessly to improve all aspects of perinatal treatment.

Fetal care has evolved dramatically in the past 15 years. Many complications previously associated with a high mortality rate are now treatable. Our team is proud of our role in improving these outcomes

To schedule an appointment, call 504-842-4151.

The Ochsner fetal care team performs various invasive and non-invasive procedures to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, including amniocentesis, cervical cerclage and ultrasounds. In addition, they are certified to perform nuchal translucency. This ultrasound, combined with laboratory evaluation, can provide early detection of Down's Syndrome.

Ask your doctor for more information or call our offices to schedule an appointment

Ochsner offers a variety of prenatal genetic studies that allow us to diagnose a number of conditions that lead to high-risk pregnancies, including:

Cystic fibrosis
Down syndrome
Hemophilia
Muscular dystrophy
Sickle-cell anemia
Tay-Sachs disease
Trisomy 13
Trisomy 18
Trisomy 21

Couples who choose to have these studies often benefit from genetic counseling. Our compassionate, knowledgeable team is here to answer your questions.

Find out more

A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a highly specialized center for premature and special needs newborns and infants. Everyone on our staff is dedicated to the health and well being of your baby. Partnering with our colleagues in general and high-risk obstetrics, Ochsner's neonatologists optimize the outcome of each pregnancy.

Learn more about the NICU services available at Ochsner