Prenatal Diagnostic Center

Valley Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to prenatal diagnosis through our Prenatal Diagnostic Center. We provide a full range of diagnostic testing from amniocentesis and genetic testing to 3-D and 4-D sonograms and Fetal Echocardiograms. Our multidisciplinary team of highly trained medical professionals — with access to state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and comprehensive screenings over the course of a pregnancy — excels in its ability to determine the health and condition of a mother’s baby before birth.

Through counseling and education we provide expectant mothers the information they need to make informed decisions about the health of their baby before it is born. As the Prenatal Diagnostic Center is part of Valley Children’s Hospital, we have a full range of world-class pediatric subspecialists on staff to create a treatment plan for the baby. From the initial referral for prenatal screening in the first or second trimester to treating a newborn’s abnormality, the continuum of care we provide at Valley Children’s Hospital is exceptional.

Innovative Services. Exceptional Care.

The only hospital in Central California with both American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and American College of Radiology (ACR) ultrasound accreditation, our Prenatal Diagnostic Center’s full complement of services include prenatal screening, diagnostic testing, genetic counseling, and comprehensive patient education. All of our sonographers are American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) credentialed, we have highly experienced geneticists and genetic counselors on staff, and we offer specialized genetic testing based on an individual’s assessment. Our services make Valley Children’s Hospital the place to go for prenatal diagnostic services and care in the Valley.

Valley Children’s Hospital provides genetic counseling, screening and education during the entire course of the pregnancy. We interpret and explain genetic results for patients and communicate those results to the referring physician.

Informed Planning. Advanced Care.

Prenatal screening and diagnostic testing provide important information about a baby’s health and any possible abnormalities. If we identify such an abnormality, genetic counselors and medical staff will talk with the expectant mother to share the results, pertinent information and schedule follow-up tests. Here at Valley Children’s Hospital, we believe in providing mothers with the information they need to make informed decisions about the health of their baby.

Knowing in advance that a baby has an abnormality can be extremely beneficial to the baby’s future outcome. Using this information, our experienced pediatric subspecialists and medical staff will meet with the expectant mother to educate her about the baby’s condition, develop treatment plans, and help her become more comfortable with what will happen once the baby is born.

Credentialed Staff. Collaborative Care.

Valley Children’s Hospital’s advanced technologies and the breadth of our medical specialists provide concerned mothers and families the confidence that their baby’s health is in the hands of the region’s most experienced and highly trained medical staff.

Genetic Counseling: Valley Children’s Hospital provides genetic counseling services to expectant mothers, families, and couples planning a pregnancy. Genetic counseling provides families an opportunity to discuss medical and family history concerns that may put a pregnancy at risk. As part of our medical staff, our genetic counselors are trained to evaluate a pregnancy for risk factors related to genetic conditions, birth defects, prenatal screening results, abnormal ultrasound findings, and family history concerns. Genetic counseling provides one-on-one counseling and education to families so they can make informed decisions related to their pregnancies. 

From prenatal screenings to genetic counseling and the treatment of unborn and newborn babies, Valley Children’s Prenatal Diagnostic Center offers an entire track of care — in essence, a one-stop shop in a world-class pediatric hospital.

Services Offered and Conditions Treated

Consultation for advanced maternal age, prenatal screening through the California Prenatal Screening Program, family history of genetic syndromes/birth defects, teratogen exposure during pregnancy, preconception counseling and more.

• A complete high-resolution anatomic ultrasound exam.
• Comprehensive genetic counseling for risk assessment and education of parents and families.
• Amniocentesis performed by board certified physician at patient’s request.
• Additional Available Services: Fetal Echocardiogram, Fetal MRI, First trimester Nuchal Translucency ultrasounds, Referrals to Valley Children’s specialists, including Cardiology, Genetics, Metabolism as well as other on-staff pediatric subspecialists.

Prenatal Screening Services

• Genetic Counseling is offered to educate expectant parents about the screening process, discuss the results and to schedule follow-up services.
• A detailed ultrasound is provided to monitor the growth of the baby and to screen for abnormalities.
• Expectant mothers who screen positive are offered amniocentesis during the second trimester.
• Referring physicians receive copies of all results.

Full Integrated Screening – combining first and second trimester blood tests with a nuchal translucency ultrasound

• A nuchal translucency ultrasound is a specialized ultrasound that includes taking a measurement of the back of the baby’s neck to screen for Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, and the possibility of heart defects.
• First trimester blood draw between 10 weeks 0 days and 13 weeks 6 days.
• The nuchal translucency ultrasound if offered between 11 weeks 2 days and 14 weeks 2 days.
• Second trimester blood draw between 15 weeks 0 days and 20 weeks 0 days.

Serum Integrated Screening - combining first and second trimester blood tests

• First trimester blood draw between 10 weeks 0 days and 13 weeks 6 days.
• Second trimester blood draw between 15 weeks 0 days and 20 weeks 0 days.

Quad Marker Screening – a second trimester blood test

• Second trimester blood draw between 15 weeks 0 days and 20 weeks 0 days.

Valley Children’s Hospital Advantage

• We have board certified geneticists and genetic counselors on staff
• All our sonographers are ARDMS credentialed
• Our ultrasound program is both AIUM and ACR accredited
• Our sonographers are credentialed to measure fetal Nuchal Translucency in the first trimester of pregnancy
• Our board certified radiologists specializing in pediatric and fetal imaging
• We have highly skilled pediatric subspecialists on-site
• Our hospital is one of the few in the region offering Fetal Echocardiograms
• We have highly advanced diagnostic capabilities on-site
• Our specialty physicians receive notification of abnormal test results
• Parents meet the specialists who will be treating their baby
• All arrangements are made well in advance of the baby’s birth
• We provide referring physicians with test results and information

Maternal Fetal - Prenatal Diagnostic Physician Referral Form

The Maternal Fetal - Prenatal Diagnostic Physician Referral Form can be filled out on your computer, printed and faxed to Valley Children's Maternal Fetal Center.
 
Very Important! We need the Patient Prenatal Records. If you have the electronic records you may fax the records to (559) 353-6710.

To FAX form: Once you have filled out the form on your computer, select "Print." Fax the printed referral to (559) 353-6710.  
 

Please Note: Our referral team processes referrals during normal business hours (7:30 AM to 4:00 PM). If you need to speak to a specialist or have an urgent issue please call the Valley Children's Access center at (866) 353-KIDS (5437). 

If you have any problems with the form please call us at (559) 353-6700 or 353-6633.