Perinatal Diagnostic Centers
Important Change to Hospital Visitation Policy |
| Effective October 19, 2009, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital will no longer allow non-patient visitors or family members under the age of 16 years to visit in the hospital. This policy will be in effect during the height of the flu season, usually lasting until spring, and will be re-evaluated at that time. Learn more about the visitation policy change / Lea más acerca del cambio en las normas de visitas. |
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Palo Alto Lucile Packard Children's Hospital 725 Welch Road Room HF306 Palo Alto, CA 94304 Perinatal Diagnostic Center: (650) 725-7030 Genetic Counseling: (650) 723-5198 Fremont 2147 Mowry Avenue, Suite D3 Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 713-9994 Salinas 212 San Jose Street, Suite 311 Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 759-3265 |
Santa Cruz 1777 Dominican Way Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (831) 464-9994 Mountain View El Camino Hospital Orchard Pavillion 2485 Hospital Drive, Suite 250 Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 988-7930 |
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:
- Advanced maternal age
- Alpha fetoprotein testing
- Metabolic, chromosomal, or physical abnormality
- Multiple miscarriages
- Consanguinity (marriage of relatives)
- Ultrasound diagnosed anomaly
- DNA or biochemical diagnosis
- Fetal death or stillborn examination
- Teratogen exposure including chemotherapy, toxins, infections, alcohol, drugs or medications
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.