Yale’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is dedicated to helping women at all stages of life. A global leader in women’s health, Yale is known for its innovative contributions to diagnosis and treatment, including: Developing the first fetal echocardiography Pioneering the first obstetrical ultrasound Developing the first fetal blood sampling and first fetal transfusion Offering the first chorionic villus sampling in New England Co-authoring the first U.S. study for first-trimester risk assessment Developing the first comprehensive first-trimester risk assessment program in New England Inventing fetal monitoring and many prenatal diagnostic and treatment techniques Our physicians tap into the broad expertise of our entire institution to provide compassionate, customized care for all of our patients, from adolescence through adulthood. Through eight subspecialty areas, we offer the most advanced diagnostics and therapies that harness the latest advances in technology. Recent clinical research includes a new emphasis on therapeutic vaccines in gynecologic oncology, novel treatments for endometriosis and menopause, a comprehensive patient safety program in maternal-fetal medicine, and an advanced fetal therapy program. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Family planning Gynecologic oncology Gynecologic specialties Maternal-fetal medicine Obstetric specialties & midwifery Pediatric & adolescent gynecology Reproductive endocrinology & infertility Urogynecology & reconstructive pelvic surgery Maternal-fetal medicine service offers 24-hour on-site dedicated space for complex pregnancies and fetal care First in Connecticut to perform in-utero laser therapy in pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome Outstanding survival outcomes for all types of gynecologic surgery, from open to robotic Pioneer in caring for patients with sexual intimacy issues after cancer surgery Fetal therapy program Midwifery and birthing center

The Fetal Care Center brings together a team of leading experts in maternal-fetal medicine , neonatology , genetics , pediatric surgery , and an array of other top-ranked pediatric specialties. This network of excellence from throughout our health system comes together to provide an elite level of care. Together, a comprehensive care plan is devised for pregnant patients and their developing babies who require specialized medical and surgical care while in the womb or expected interventions after birth. Our expert physicians and surgeons have ensured successful births for thousands of babies who needed specialized care. As leaders in complex in-utero surgery, we are proud to be the first in Connecticut and the region to perform in utero myelomeningocele repair. Myelomeningocele is a condition in which the baby’s backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. The condition, a type of spina bifida , is a congenital defect of the spine and spinal cord. The surgery is performed before the baby is born (prior to 26 weeks gestation) as this provides the best outcomes. Provided world-class fetal therapy services at Yale New Haven Health for more than 40 years Pioneered the nation’s first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Yale New Haven Health Yale New Haven Health is one of only a few hospitals in the country to offer couplet care, where mothers and their babies are cared for together in the same room Many procedures available to women with high-risk pregnancies were first developed at Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences , including noninvasive fetal anemia assessment, percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS), in utero fetal blood transfusion, and therapies such as fetoscopy and fetal surgery Physicians are leading researchers in the field of fetal medicine A fetal therapy coordinator is available to help patients through the process. The coordinator is there throughout the patient’s care journey, from pregnancy through delivery, and often beyond. They guide patients through testing, meeting with specialists, scheduling appointments, and coordinating the elements of the care plan based on the patient’s needs. For more information or to request an appointment, please call 855-433-8252 , or submit a Fetal Care Center Information Request . Someone is available to answer your call from Monday through Friday, 8am – 4:30pm. Read our list of frequently asked questions about the Fetal Care Center . Here are some of the common conditions we treat at the Fetal Care Center: Cleft lip/palate Congenital heart defects Fetal anemias Gastroschisis Hydrocephalus Intra-abdominal masses Spina Bifida Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome View the full list of conditions . Advanced Prenatal Genetic Testing and Counseling Genetic counseling and prenatal testing are among the most valuable tools to help prospective parents make important decisions regarding a current or future pregnancy. Many things

The Prenatal Genetic Diagnostic Program provides expert genetic screening, testing, and counseling for parents. Our tests and services includefirst-trimester screening, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, fetal blood sampling (FBS), and many others. After diagnosis, we provide counseling and connect patients to appropriate support networks to help parents adjust to and prepare for their child's special needs. In addition to pioneering the development of CVS and FBS, Yale has the most experienced team for these procedures in New England. Between 11 and 12 weeks after a woman's last menstrual period, she can instantly learn the baby's risk for Down syndrome and other abnormalities with our safe, noninvasive first-trimester risk assessment. Our team of specially-certified physicians, sonographers, and genetic counselors will provide patients with accurate information as quickly as technology allows. The procedure is simple: Patients provide a blood sample at least one week before their scheduled appointment, then visit us between weeks 11 and 14 of their pregnancy. Our comprehensive prenatal testing and genetic counseling services include: First and second trimester screenings Targeted ultrasound (formerly known as Level II ultrasound). We are equipped to perform targeted vaginal ultrasounds at an early gestational age, and provide diagnostic information early in a woman's pregnancy. Antenatal testing services. These services include nonstress testing, biophysical profiles, fetal versions, and PG gel insertions to help ensure fetal well-being throughout pregnancy. Fetal echocardiography. The Yale Fetal Cardiovascular Center is the most experienced diagnostic and treatment program of its kind in New England and provides the full range of prenatal surgical care. Prenatal ultrasound testing is typically performed during the second trimester to diagnose cardiac conditions in an unborn baby. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This is usually performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy and involves the removal of a small sample of the placenta from the uterus. Amniocentesis. This is usually performed during the 15thweek of pregnancy or later, the procedure removes a sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus for evaluation. Fetal blood sampling. Fetal bloodis collected directly from the umbilical cord orfetus to test for signs of anemia and otherblooddisorders. Fetal tissue biopsy. This is typically performed between the 17thand 20thweeks of pregnancy, for patients who carry an abnormal gene for a severe skin disease to find out whether or not their fetus is similarly affected. Fetal karyotyping. This involving the collection of chorionic villi, amniotic fluid, or fetalblood to obtain and analyze chromosomes for abnormalities. Biochemical testing Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. This involves laboratory testing to detect chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic mutations in a patient