FAQs
Why am I going to Village Perinatal?
What is Maternal Fetal Medicine (also called Perinatology)?
What is Ultrasound?
What is Prenatal Screening (also called Genetic Testing)?
Why am I going to Village Perinatal?
Your OB has referred you to see Dr. Benoit, a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist. Dr. Benoit is an expert in obstetrical ultrasound and prenatal screening (genetic testing), important tools used to assess your and your baby's health as early as possible and throughout your pregnancy.
Dr. Benoit's philosophy is that your pregnancy care should be a comfortable, thorough and reassuring experience. During a normal pregnancy, you may see Dr. Benoit 2 or 3 times. If he detects any risk factors or health issues affecting you or your baby, he may need to see you more in order to monitor or address the situation.
Dr. Benoit will work closely with your OB to make sure you have all the information, counseling and care you and your baby need for your best possible pregnancy and birth.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
We know you need to be comfortable with your medical care. Please feel free to schedule a visit to see the office and meet the staff in advance of your appointment. Call 323.871.2214.
- Please be on time for your appointment.
- Please bring your insurance card; we will keep a copy for our records.
- Please do not bring any food or drink into the office.
- Please do not bring children under the age of 10 into the office unless accompanied by another adult, so that you may enjoy your visit.
- With new technology, you do NOT need a full bladder for ultrasound.
What is Maternal Fetal Medicine?
Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM), also called Perinatology, refers to the specialized care of pregnant women and their fetuses. MFM doctors, or perinatologists, are experienced in detecting, diagnosing and addressing a wide variety of complex conditions that impact either mom or baby's health. While MFMs are experts in high-risk pregnancy care and the diagnosis and treatment of fetal abnormalities, they also care for normal pregnancies on a daily basis.
MFM doctors have 3 years of specialized training after 4 years of general OB-GYN residency. With an MFM looking after your pregnancy, you can rest assured that you have an expert eye interpreting your ultrasound and diagnostic testing results every step of the way.
Who should see an MFM?
Anyone who is pregnant benefits from having an MFM confirm a healthy pregnancy, or detect and address health issues with mom or baby, as early as possible. In particular, an MFM specialist is an integral member of your caregiving team if:
- You are planning a pregnancy and someone in your family has a genetic illness or birth defect. You might be a carrier of that gene, and an MFM can help you decide what further actions to take for the best possible outcome.
- Your primary OB detects any abnormalities in preliminary test results, or determines that you are at higher risk for genetic illness or birth defects. An MFM can run specialized tests and provide you with the information you need to make decisions and have the best possible pregnancy and birth.
- You have a child with a birth defect or genetic illness. Though not all illnesses and birth defects are genetic, having one child with a birth defect means you are at higher risk when you get pregnant again. An MFM determines if your pregnancy should be considered high risk, and helps plan and provide any specialized care you need.
- You have suffered two or more miscarriages. Miscarriages are more common than people often think. But if you have had two or more, there is a possibility that they are caused by a genetic defect. An MFM can evaluate your risk factors and help you plan the best approaches for having a successful pregnancy.
- You are carrying more than one baby. A multiple gestation pregnancy carries inherent increased health risks to both mom and babies, and requires specialized monitoring and care during pregnancy, as well as advanced planning for delivery.
- You have had medical issues prior to pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, lupus, or kidney disease. Not all medical issues are problematic during pregnancy, and some will have no effect at all. But because a pregnancy does put extra stress on a mother's body, an MFM should closely monitor your condition.
- You are over 35. While your baby's developmental health is linked more to your personal and family health history than your age, mothers over the age of 35 are generally monitored more closely for increased risk for genetic illness and birth defects. An MFM provides diagnostic information to alleviate your fears and help you to plan for a healthy pregnancy. Rest assured, many healthy babies are born to older mothers.
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate a high-resolution image of your fetus. Modern ultrasound technology reveals a remarkable amount about your baby's health, in addition to age, size and sex. The ultrasound probe is mainly used on your belly, and on occasion through the vagina (transvaginal) to provide a more detailed image. Ultrasound is considered very safe for mom and baby, and an effective alternative to more invasive diagnostic tests like amnio.
Dr. Benoit is an expert in obstetrical ultrasound scanning.
How many ultrasound scans will I get, and what will they show?
You may receive basic ultrasound scans in your primary OB's office during your regular visits, but Dr. Benoit will conduct detailed ultrasound exams that provide in-depth information on your baby's health and development. During the course of a normal pregnancy, you will have 2 to 3 of these detailed screens. For a high-risk pregnancy, additional targeted ultrasound scans are used to monitor a specific area or issue.
In each trimester, ultrasound is used for different reasons:
First trimester:- to establish the dates of a pregnancy
- to determine the number of fetuses
- to identify placental structures
- to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
- to examine the uterus and other maternal pelvic anatomy
- to detect early fetal abnormalities
- to confirm pregnancy dates
- to confirm the number of fetuses
- to monitor fetal growth
- to examine the fetal anatomy
- to examine the placenta and placental structures
- to guide certain prenatal tests, such as an amniocentesis
- to check the level of amniotic fluid
- to examine fetal blood flow
- to observe fetal behavior and activity
- to measure the length of the cervix
- to monitor fetal growth
- to check the level of amniotic fluid
- to determine the position of a fetus
- to assess the placenta
- as part of other testing
What are the different types of Ultrasounds?
Ultrasounds all have one thing in common: they provide an internal look at your baby. There are several types of ultrasounds we use to evaluate your baby's health and give you an early image of your baby.
- Traditional 2D ultrasound is the most common ultrasound used for everything from measuring the progress of your pregnancy to basic diagnosis. Using 2D ultrasound we can look inside your baby's anatomy and evaluate the heart, brain, spine and other internal organs.
- 3D ultrasound offers a more detailed look at your baby's surface anatomy. Because it provides a clearer image of the face and extremities, we can screen for fetal abnormalities and give you an exciting first glimpse of what your baby will look like.
- 4D ultrasound is similar to 3D, but has the added element of time, letting you see your baby move inside the womb.
- Color and Pulsed Doppler ultrasound is used to study maternal and fetal bloodflow throughout pregnancy, and also in detailed fetal heart assesment.
Is a traditional ultrasound sufficient?
Traditional 2D ultrasound allows your doctor to see the basic anatomy of your baby. A more detailed ultrasound examination – using Color and Pulsed Doppler for assessing blood flow, and 3D and 4D ultrasound to look at surface anatomy – can more accurately detect birth defects earlier in your pregnancy, allowing your doctor the important opportunity to address issues and improve the outcome as much as possible.
Why should I come to a doctor for 3D and 4D ultrasound?
While many “entertainment scanning” ultrasound centers offer keepsake videos for parents, the people conducting those ultrasound scans are not trained doctors, and cannot identify potential health problems. A 3D and 4D ultrasound done in an MFM doctor's office will give you not only the joy of seeing your baby, but also the comfort in knowing that a trained medical expert is looking out for your and your baby's health and wellness.
When can I have a 3D and 4D ultrasound?
These ultrasounds are most effective at 18 weeks, but can be performed anytime between 17 and 21 weeks.
Will I receive any pictures to take home?
Yes! One of the exciting highlights of your MFM visit is taking home your complimentary CD of still photos and a DVD of a video clip to share images of your baby with family and friends.
What kinds of birth defects can be detected?
The doctor will look for spinal cord defects, Down syndrome, heart abnormalities, defects of the brain, skull, stomach, kidneys, intestines, and extremities, as well as any issues with the placenta or the level of amniotic fluid. Although ultrasound alone will not detect 100% of birth defects, it is an advanced, non-invasive method that reveals many of the indicators that help us decide what additional diagnostic genetic testing is necessary.
What if the heart and face cannot be imaged?
Depending on the baby's position, it is not always easy to get an optimal look at the heart and face on the first try. We patiently coax the baby into the right position, or schedule another visit, to ensure the doctor can perform a full medical evaluation of your baby.
What if the doctor finds an abnormality in my ultrasound?
Abnormalities are common in the early stages of pregnancy and often resolve themselves on their own as the fetus develops, a natural evolution that is still worth monitoring closely. Genetic testing can help us determine the real risk. If a serious issue is identified before birth, we have an important opportunity to provide the care your baby needs, either in the womb or at birth. For example, if your baby has a congenital heart defect, in-utero detection enables the doctor to plan your delivery at the right hospital with the specialists and facilities to best care for your newborn starting at birth. Early detection and advanced planning empowers us to prepare and address most health issues that arise with mom or baby.
What is Prenatal Screening/Genetic Testing?
In addition to ultrasound, prenatal screening tests help detect or diagnose genetic abnormalities or birth defects. These tests may sample maternal blood (multiple markers), amniotic fluid (amniocentesis), placenta tissue (CVS) or fetal blood from the umbilical cord.
For a normal pregnancy with low risks, 2 to 3 detailed ultrasound scans coupled with maternal blood testing provides a comprehensive screen for mom and baby's health. If you have additional risk factors, Dr. Benoit will recommend the tests that are appropriate for your situation.
While there are no tests that guarantee that your baby will be perfect, combining risk screening, detailed ultrasound exams and genetic testing can provide you with a high level of reassurance that your baby will not be born with major genetic problems.
Who should have genetic testing?
All pregnant women are offered prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders and birth defects. Specifically, prenatal screening provides important information about your real risk factors if:
- You are planning a pregnancy and have a family history of inherited illness or birth defects. If someone in your immediate family has a genetic illness or birth defect, you might be a carrier of that gene. Genetic testing assesses your real risk and helps us identify further actions to take for the best possible outcome.
- You already have a child with a birth defect or genetic illness. Having one child with a birth defect means that you are at higher risk when you decide to get pregnant again. While not all illnesses and birth defects are genetic, genetic testing helps determine whether your current pregnancy should be considered high risk and requires specialized care.
- You have suffered two or more miscarriages. Miscarriages are more common than people often think, but if a mother has had two or more, there is a possibility that the miscarriages are caused by a genetic defect. Your MFM doctor used genetic testing to evaluate your risk factors and help you plan the best approaches for a healthy pregnancy.
- You are over 35. While your baby's developmental health is linked more to your personal and family health history than your age, mothers over the age of 35 are generally monitored more closely for increased risk for genetic illness and birth defects. Genetic testing helps the doctor evaluate your risk factors and plan your best approaches for a healthy pregnancy.
