Augusta area mothers with potential for high-risk pregnancy now have a new option to receive advanced prenatal care close to home with the opening of Doctors Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine Center. The outpatient clinic is a new service of Doctors Hospital.
 
“We will be able to care for mothers with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, mothers pregnant with multiple babies and women giving birth at a later age,” explained Donna Riordan, RN, Director of Women’s Services at Doctors Hospital.
 
“We already have a robust Women’s program. Last year, nearly 2,500 babies were born in our Women’s Center, more than 200 of them required a stay in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,” Riordan added. “We know local families need this service and we’re glad to offer it to them.”
 
“Access to care is critical. Prior to our opening women had limited options to receive the high level services and care they need to have a healthy pregnancy. Now, it’s conveniently located close to home,” said Dr. John Farr, Chief Medical Officer at Doctors Hospital.
According to the National Institute of Health as many as ten percent of pregnancies are considered high risk, but with expert care ninety-five percent of these special cases result in the birth of healthy babies.
 
The center accommodates mothers deemed high-risk through their obstetrician. Conditions that contribute to a high-risk pregnancy include: hypertension, diabetes, pregnant with multiples, genetic history, and age. Doctors Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine Center offers advanced ultrasound services, genetic testing, and serial testing for mothers who need specialized care throughout their pregnancy.
 
Dr. Richard Adams and Dr. Sanjay Patwardhan will provide care at Doctors Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine. “Dr. Adams and Dr. Patwardhan are excellent additions to our women’s health program,” said Dr. Farr. “Local obstetricians need a place they can send mothers who may experience a high-risk pregnancy. We are proud to offer this service to support their patients and practice.”
 
The Maternal Fetal Medicine program opens August 5. Some of the services provided by the Doctors Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine Center include:
 
Amniocentesis

Chorionic villus sampling, a test for genetic disorders, or for mothers age 35 and older

Diabetes care

Management of multiple births

Level II ultrasound

Other genetic tests