Prenatal Diagnostic Center

Children’s offers an unparalleled 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 — is unmatched 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. In addition, as the Prenatal Diagnostic Center is part of Children’s Hospital, we have a full range of world-class pediatric subspecialists on staff to create a treatment plan for the baby if necessary. From the initial referral for first trimester screening to treating a newborn’s abnormality, the continuum of care we provide at Children’s Hospital Central California is unparalleled.

Innovative Services. Exceptional Care.

The only hospital in Central California with both AIUM and ACR ultrasound accreditation, our Prenatal Diagnostic Center’s full complement of services include first trimester screening, diagnostic testing, genetic counseling, and comprehensive patient education. With all our sonographers being ARDMS credentialed, our highly experienced staff geneticists and genetic counselors, and Genzyme Genetics’ specialized genetic testing, Children’s is the place to go for prenatal diagnostic services and care in the Valley.

Children’s 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 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. Children’s believes in providing mothers with the information they need to make informed decisions about the health of their baby.

Knowing in advance of the birth that a baby has an abnormality can be extremely beneficial to the future health of that baby. 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.

Children’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.

From first trimester screenings to genetic counseling and treatment of unborn and newborn babies, 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

First Trimester - performed between 10 weeks 3 days and 13 weeks 6 days

• Administer Nuchal Translucency ultrasound test
• Conduct beta blood spot
• Educate parents about testing process
• Parents receive results within 3 to 5 days
• Expectant mothers who screen positive are offered chorionic villous sampling if gestational age appropriate or early second trimester ultrasound, genetic counseling and amniocentesis
• Referring physician receives copies of all results

Second Trimester

• Consultation for advanced maternal age, positive first trimester screening or California Expanded AFP Test, family history of genetic syndromes/birth defects, teratogens, etc.
• Conduct a complete high-resolution anatomic ultrasound exam
• Provide comprehensive genetic counseling session for risk assessment and to educate parents about testing process
• Amniocentesis performed by board certified physician at patient’s request
• Referring physician receives copies of all results

Third Trimester

• Provide 3-D and 4-D ultrasound images at 26-28 weeks
• Perform fetal well being, growth, amniotic fluid assessment and cord Doppler tests
• Educate parents about testing process
• Referring physician receives copies of all results
• Additional Available Services
• Fetal Echocardiogram
• Fetal MRI
• Referrals to Children’s specialists, including Cardiology, Genetics, Metabolism as well as other on-staff pediatric subspecialists

Children’s 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 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

Patient Referral Form

Please download and print the Prenatal Diagnostic Center Physician Referral Form to fax along with your patient records. You must FAX the referral form with all attached paperwork. Please do not Fax materials separate from the form.

To FAX the form: Download, fill out the form and fax it to (559)353-5933.  If you have questions call (559) 353-6633.