Committed to clinical excellence and compassionate care, New Jersey Perinatal Associates (NJPA) specializes in maternal-fetal medicine and assists expectant women and their obstetricians in managing complicated and high-risk pregnancies.
With locations in Westfield, Livingston, Warren, Belleville and Teaneck, NJPA’s expert physicians are routinely recognized as Top Doctors not only within New Jersey but throughout the surrounding area as well.
Comprised of a multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, genetic counselors, perinatal nurses and ultrasounds technicians, NJPA provides all-inclusive care to pregnant women as well as those who are considering conceiving and have concerns about their health or that of their unborn children.
NJPA’s Edward J. Wolf, MD, FACOG, explained that common issues that bring patients to the practice are conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease. Additionally, if a prior pregnancy resulted in preterm labor, preeclampsia, a birth defect or a genetic disorder, a pregnant woman — or one considering having another child — may be referred to NJPA or seek out the specialists on her own.
Women who are expecting twins or triplets also look to NJPA for expert care throughout their pregnancies.
“Patients still get delivered by their own obstetricians,” Dr. Wolf said. “They still see them regularly, but we are asked to help to coordinate care in regard to the high-risk aspect.”
With locations in Westfield, Livingston, Warren, Belleville and Teaneck, NJPA’s expert physicians are routinely recognized as Top Doctors not only within New Jersey but throughout the surrounding area as well.
Noninvasive testing reduces fetal risk
Of the many recent advancements in maternal-fetal medicine, Dr. Wolf noted that noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), also referred to as noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS), is one of the most exciting.
Dr. Wolf explained that pregnant women age 35 and older have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities that may lead to conditions such as Down syndrome. Because of this, women over age 35 were previously advised to consider an amniocentesis. In this prenatal procedure, amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus through a fine needle inserted through the abdomen under ultrasound guidance for testing.
While the test detects chromosome abnormalities, neural tube defects and genetic disorders, it carries a 1 in 200 risk of miscarriage, Dr. Wolf noted.
But within the last eight to 10 years, thanks to the development of NIPT, physicians can perform a blood test on an expectant woman and look at the DNA in placental cells, which is usually identical to the DNA of the fetus. Analyzing that DNA provides an opportunity for early detection of certain genetic abnormalities, including Down syndrome, without risk of harming the fetus.
“There’s been a big explosion in genetic testing,” Dr. Wolf said. “We soon expect to be able to determine if a fetus is affected with sickle cell disease without the risk associated with an amniocentesis.”
Ultrasound technology is another area where advancements and refinements in software are assisting physicians in assessing fetal development. Typically used to determine the size, location, age and number of fetuses in the womb, ultrasound can also aid in detecting any present birth defects as well as monitor the volume of amniotic fluid, movement of the fetus, breathing and heartbeat.
Dr. Wolf explained that when ultrasound became widely used in the mid-1980s, images were “grainy.” Today, 3D and 4D ultrasound technology not only allows expectant parents to see the fetus move in real time, it also helps physicians locate anomalies in fetal development, particularly of the organs.
“The images are stunning,” Dr. Wolf said. “Clarity improves every year.”
Preconceptional counseling address range of health concerns
In addition to utilizing industry-leading diagnostic equipment to provide expectant women with the best possible care, NJPA offers genetic counseling. If a woman or her partner has a health issue or a complicated family health history that could impact a pregnancy, it’s wise to address those concerns before conceiving.
NJPA’s team of doctors and genetic counselors perform testing and analysis to advise patients on the course of action that will mitigate health issues that affect pregnancies. Dr. Wolf explained that preconceptual consultation can lead to a safer pregnancy and, ultimately, a better outcome for mom and baby.
“A woman who is diabetic is a classic example,” he said. “If we can get it under control, the risk of birth defects can be minimized to between two and three percent, which is the percentage all women face. If it’s not under control, that risk is two to three times higher, which makes a giant difference in the outcome.”
Comprehensive communication and care coordination
Dr. Wolf said he and NJPA’s team take great pride in working together to provide clear and immediate communication with expectant moms and their obstetricians.
“We make sure everyone has the ultrasound report the same day,” Dr. Wolf said. “We’re on the phone saying, ‘I just saw Susie today. Keep an eye on this.’ We’re an entire team working together to keep the expectant mom and her obstetrician informed.”
Additionally, the NJPA team meets internally to coordinate care for those patients who face the most complications during their pregnancies.
“We take all the information we have and use it keep mom and baby safe,” he said.
For more information, visit NJPA’s website or call (973) 322-5287.
