Prenatal Care

Prenatal Consultation

If you're concerned about a medical issue or possibly passing genetic abnormalities to your child, a prenatal consultation with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine experts could be very helpful. It includes a review of your medical records and your medical history. If needed, you will have an examination or ultrasound.

There will also be plenty of time for discussion of your concerns, any normal or abnormal conditions, what the information means to you and your pregnancy, and what your options are moving forward.

To schedule your prenatal consultation, call (425) 899-2200.

Typical reasons to seek a perinatal consultation include, but are not limited to:

• Pre-existing maternal illnesses
• Risk of pregnancy loss
• Preterm labor
• Blood disorders
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Kidney disease
• Multiple gestations

Possible Genetically Inherited Disorders

You may also consider genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis before conception to predict any possible inherited disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and Huntington's disease.

You may be at increased risk of passing genetic abnormalities on to your child if you:

• Are of Jewish ancestry; you may have a high risk of having children with Tay-Sachs or Canavan disease, metabolic disorders that lead to death in early childhood.
• Are of African-American ancestry; you may risk passing on sickle-cell anemia to your child.
• Are of Asian or Mediterranean ancestry; you may be at increased risk of having a child with thalassemia, a severe form of anemia.
• Have family histories of inherited disorders, or you have previously given birth to children with genetic disorders.
• Have been exposed to medications or substances that could cause birth defects.
• Have prior medical conditions or diseases that may affect their fetus, such as diabetes.
• Share a common ancestor.
• Have a history of multiple miscarriages.
• Have family members with birth defects or severe developmental problems.

To schedule your genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis, call (425) 899-2200.

Some medications can be harmful during pregnancy, so talk with your physician about any recreational, prescription, over-the-counter or herbal drugs you may be taking.