Prenatal Care
The birth of your child is one of the most important and joyous experiences in your life. At NewYork-Presbyterian, our experienced obstetrician-gynecologists provide you with the highest level of care to keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. We deliver prenatal care which considers your unique health needs, personal philosophies, and preferences. With early and regular prenatal care, we identify health problems and minimize risks. Whether you are welcoming your first baby or are an experienced parent, our knowledgeable and experienced staff is here to guide and nurture you through your pregnancy to give you and your baby the best possible start in life.
Prenatal Services
Our team supports you and your baby at NewYork-Presbyterian during your pregnancy with a range of services, from routine prenatal screening tests to advanced maternal and fetal diagnostic tools.
Prenatal visits
You can take the best care of yourself and your baby by getting early and regular prenatal care. Your physician will check to make sure you and your baby are healthy at each visit. If there are any problems, early action will help you and the baby.
Most prenatal visits will include:
- Checking your blood pressure
- Assessing your weight gain
- Measuring your abdomen to check your baby's growth (once you begin to show)
- Checking the baby's heart rate
Prenatal tests
NewYork-Presbyterian offers a full range of state-of-the-art prenatal tests that provide expecting parents with information about their baby’s health and risk of having genetic abnormalities that can result in congenital disabilities or health problems. Our expert physicians prescribe the appropriate testing and imaging during each trimester of pregnancy to maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Your doctor may recommend that you undergo one or more of the following laboratory and ultrasound tests:
Laboratory tests
- Fetal cell-free DNA determination
- Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for chromosomal disorders
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- Amniocentesis
Ultrasound tests
- Fetal testing for biophysical profile and doppler velocimetry
- 3-D ultrasound when medically indicated
- Nuchal fold determination
- Transvaginal ultrasound for assessment of fetal viability, ectopic pregnancy, placental location and cervical length
- Fetal anatomy scans
- Multiple pregnancy evaluations
- Fetal echocardiography
Other services
Prenatal genetic testing
NewYork-Presbyterian offers prenatal genetic testing which offers parents an opportunity to diagnose suspected genetic anomalies early in pregnancy. Risk of a potential genetic condition may be first detected through noninvasive blood and imaging tests. These risks are able to be further evaluated with diagnostic tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. People may be referred for genetic evaluation before or during pregnancy for various reasons, which include having an advanced maternal age, a prior screening test or family history which indicates an increased genetic risk transmission of an inherited disease, or findings on a prenatal ultrasound that indicates a need for further evaluation.
Childbirth and education classes
NewYork-Presbyterian offers a wide range of classes and support groups that give expectant families the information, skills, and resources you need to make the best choices for you and your family.
- Childbirth education classes
- Breastfeeding education classes
Our Approach to Care
Our highly skilled obstetrician-gynecologists provide clinical expertise and compassionate care to women with routine pregnancies as well as high-risk pregnancies complicated by conditions such as maternal age, diabetes, hypertension, early labor, or multiple gestations. Your obstetrician-gynecologist collaborates with a multidisciplinary team that may include obstetric anesthesiologists, diagnostic sonographers, nurses, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse-midwives throughout your pregnancy. When needed, we will consult with your primary care physician or specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, or nutrition to address your unique needs.
Seamless Access to Expertise for High-Risk Pregnancies
At NewYork-Presbyterian, our physicians have advanced training and extensive experience in the care of women with high-risk pregnancies and those having complex fetal conditions. Women and infants needing more advanced care have access to our specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology and perinatology.
Why Choose Us
At NewYork-Presbyterian, we take a comprehensive and holistic approach to your prenatal care. Our physicians sit down with you to understand your medical history, pregnancy-related health risks, and your pregnancy and birth preferences. We address any pre-existing medical conditions that can complicate your pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and address new problems that may arise. During your regular prenatal visits, we monitor you and your baby’s health, discuss healthy eating habits, physical activity, any screening tests you might need, and what to expect during labor and delivery. Throughout your pregnancy, you receive personalized care, support, and guidance to achieve the healthiest pregnancy.