The Perinatal Diagnostic Center at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is a state-approved facility and offers a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well as genetic counseling services for the management of pregnancy from preconception through delivery. A highly trained, specialized staff with state-of-the-art technology cares for women and their families with a personalized approach. We emphasize open communication between a woman and her physician in an effort to meet both her medical and emotional needs. A woman may be referred for genetic counseling due to:
Amniocentesis Amniocentesis procedure is usually performed between 16 and 18 weeks and can detect chromosomal and genetic abnormalities in the fetus. Ultrasound Ultrasound imaging has many uses and can be performed as early as the fifth week of pregnancy. Abnormalities of the fetus can be detected and growth can be evaluated. Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS) This procedure allows the direct sampling of fetal blood for rapid genetic analysis. Access to the fetal blood supply also permits blood transfusion in cases of fetal anemia or delivery of other therapeutic medications if needed. Diagnostic procedures during the third trimester (26 weeks or later) are indicated for any maternal or fetal condition that may subject the fetus to increased risk. Nonstress Testing (NST) Looks for changes in fetal heart rate to assess fetal well-being. Biophysical Profile (BPP) Provides an in-utero Apgar score based on ultrasound imaging of fetal heart rate, fetal movement, fetal breathing, fetal tone and amniotic fluid volume. Doppler Blood Flow A new non-invasive technique to evaluate umbilical cord blood flow, and detect inadequate placental function or abnormal changes in blood flow. External Cephalic Version Used late in pregnancy to change a breech (feet first) position to the correct “head down” position. Version may prevent the need for a cesarean section. Ultrasound assessment improves safety of the procedure. Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.
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