Breakthroughs in Prenatal Medicine: Saving Lives with In-Utero Interventions
The field of prenatal medicine has made incredible advancements in the past two decades, offering hope and life-saving interventions for expectant mothers facing high-risk pregnancies. At the Center for Fetal Care in Advocate Children’s Hospital, a dedicated team of maternal-fetal medicine specialists, led by the esteemed Dr. Suwan Mehra, is at the forefront of these pioneering efforts.
High-risk pregnancies can be a source of both excitement and stress for women and their families. Many are referred to the Center for Fetal Care by their obstetricians after the detection of complications or signs of fetal distress. Dr. Mehra and her multidisciplinary team specialize in effectively diagnosing these issues and, if necessary, intervening during the prenatal stage to address them. The center has gained national recognition for its expertise in this field.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, birth defects affect around 3% of infants born in the United States, contributing to 20% of infant deaths. However, thanks to remarkable breakthroughs in prenatal medicine, families now have options to intervene and correct life-threatening birth defects while the baby is still in the womb. This emerging field focuses on performing complex in-utero procedures or surgeries that lead to early interventions, significantly improving outcomes.
The range of fetal conditions treated at the Center for Fetal Care is extensive. The medical team was the first in Illinois to perform prenatal surgical interventions for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, a condition where blood flows unevenly between twins sharing a placenta. They also conduct procedures for spina bifida and, in rare cases, provide ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedures designed to address airway complications in newborns.
To enhance the chances of survival and optimal development for babies, a variety of prenatal measures are employed, with many interventions occurring between 22 to 26 weeks of gestation. State-of-the-art imaging systems, along with surgical tools, play crucial roles in accurately diagnosing fetal abnormalities. At the Center for Fetal Care, expectant mothers and families receive meticulous evaluations, consultations, and comprehensive counseling. The safety of both the baby and mother is paramount, which is why the center brings together leading pediatric physicians across multiple specialties to provide expertise and support.
Dr. Mehra and her team understand the difficulty of the decisions that lie ahead for expectant mothers and families. They offer compassionate guidance, empowering parents to make informed choices regarding their child’s condition and treatment. The journey may not be easy, but the Center for Fetal Care is committed to accompanying families every step of the way.
To learn more about the exceptional care provided by the Center for Fetal Care at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Chicago, visit advocatechildrenshospital.com or call (847) 723-2229 (BABY) to schedule an assessment or seek a second opinion.
As prenatal medicine continues to advance, the possibility of delivering healthier babies becomes increasingly attainable. Dr. Suwan Mehra and her team, through their dedication and groundbreaking interventions, are leading the way in this profound field of medicine that saves lives before they even begin. This article takes a closer look at the remarkable breakthroughs in prenatal medicine at the Center for Fetal Care and underscores the importance of early interventions in ensuring positive outcomes for high-risk pregnancies.
