What is a perinatologist and why was I referred here?
A perinatologist, or doctor of maternal-fetal medicine, is a specialist doctor with training extending beyond that of standard Ob/Gyn doctors. Our doctors are therefore board certified or board eligible not just in obstetrics and gynecology, but also in the field of maternal-fetal medicine. Maternal-fetal medicine is the treatment and care for patients with pregnancies that, for any reason, have needs and conditions that extend beyond routine obstetric care.

Our patients may be referred to us because they have chronic health conditions, difficulties in prior pregnancies, or complicated family genetic histories. In addition, any pregnancy which the midwife or obstetrician suspects to be abnormal, whether due to concerns raised by their general ultrasounds or genetic screening results, may be referred to our office for more definitive diagnosis.

Our office has state-of-the-art ultrasound technology and sonographers with the training to utilize it to make more informative diagnoses, which we hope will provide you with reassurance and additional insight about your individual pregnancy. Our highly trained doctors and staff are dedicated to giving you the additional care your pregnancy requires.

How can I schedule an appointment?
We are a referral-based practice. This means that we receive patients only by referral from an obstetrician or midwife, and we will coordinate care with your obstetrician or midwife throughout your pregnancy. On occasion, your obstetrician may refer you to us as a preconception patient if you are attempting pregnancy and there are concerns about your genetic history or pre-existing medical conditions. Whatever the case, once we receive your referral by fax or e-mail from your primary care physician, we will contact you by phone in order to schedule your appointment.

Does your office allow children?
We do not allow children in our office or the waiting room. We apologize for any inconvenience.  This policy is in place to protect our patients from childhood illnesses such as rubella and CMV that can pose a risk to expectant mothers and their babies. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter!

What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please arrive fifteen minutes early to your first appointment. If you are able to fill out the new patient paperwork in advance, please do so! The new patient paperwork can be found on our patient forms page. We also ask that you bring your insurance card along with a photo ID — preferably a driver’s license, but any legal form of identification such as military ID or passport will work as well. In addition, we recommend that you bring a list of your current medications and doses, along with a list of any questions or concerns you have for the doctor.

Can I bring a guest with me to my appointment?
Patients are permitted to bring one adult guest to all visits except the gestational diabetes class, which takes place in a conference room with limited space. Please note, however, that we do not allow children in our exam rooms or the waiting room.

What will happen at my first visit?
At a new patient appointment, patients will have a consultation with the doctor, and will also have an ultrasound. Other tests, scans, and labs will be discussed with you at the time of your appointment. If you have already scheduled your appointment with us, please feel free to call our office prior to your appointment date if you have any questions about the lab work and scans needed for your specific pregnancy. We’ll be happy to explain the tests taking place at your first appointment so that you can feel reassured and prepared upon your arrival!

Gestational diabetic classes take place on Wednesdays at 11:45am. Glucometers and testing supplies will be called in to the pharmacy of your choice prior to the class. Educational guidelines will be discussed regarding glycemic control, a diabetic diet, and monitoring blood sugar with a meter. All of our diabetic patients are required to attend the diabetic class, even if we have followed the patient in a previous pregnancy.

Does your office take my insurance?
We will always let you know prior to scheduling your first appointment with us whether or not our practice takes your insurance; feel free to contact us if you have any concerns.  Prior to your first appointment with us, our billing staff will contact you to discuss your benefits and the charges you can expect for your upcoming appointment. Following your first visit, we will re-verify your insurance information before each appointment, and if there are any changes, the billing staff will contact you.

How are your ultrasounds different from the scans at my doctor’s office?
A standard ultrasound examination that would be performed by your obstetrician or midwife generally evaluates the volume of amniotic fluid; the placental location; the fetal number, viability, position, and size; and a general evaluation of fetal anatomy.

Perinatal Associates’ ultrasounds are different because they are specialized or targeted ultrasounds. They can be used to answer specific questions or diagnose specific conditions. For example, your obstetrician may refer you to our office if their general scans indicate concern about the baby’s heart or other organs being abnormal, if the baby is small or large for its gestational age, or if your genetic or first-trimester screening results indicate increased risk of abnormalities.

Perinatal Associates uses the best, state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, and our doctors and sonographers have specialized training in prenatal ultrasound imagery and diagnosis. This means that we can more accurately inform you about your baby’s health. Our hope is that this information will empower our patients, and make them feel reassured and well-informed about the health of their pregnancy.