Method Duchon, Md,
Maternal/Fetal Medicine Specialist, Uh MacDonald Women’s Hospital
Most women have routine pregnancies. But sometimes, issues develop that threaten their health and that of their babies.
Fortunately, mothers and their unborn babies can get sophisticated care for high risk pregnancies at University Hospitals MacDonald Women’s Hospital, home to the area’s most comprehensive, patient-centered maternal fetal medicine program.
Managing Difficult Pregnancies
The hospital’s team of board-certified physicians specializing in obstetrics, perinatology, genetics, behavioral health, neonatology, pediatric surgery and anesthesiology carefully monitors women at high risk for complications during pregnancy. This includes women who:
- Experience preterm labor
- Develop preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or other medical conditions during pregnancy
- Had complications during previous pregnancies
- Are carrying more than one baby
- Have obesity, heart disease or other chronic medical issues
Jane Corteville, MD,
Fetologist, Director, Imaging, UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital
“Our program offers a full array of tests and therapies to help pregnant women deliver the healthiest babies possible,” says Method Duchon, MD, a maternal/fetal medicine specialist at UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital. “We encourage women with chronic medical conditions or who had difficulties during previous pregnancies to seek preconception counseling.”
The team performs anatomical ultrasounds, genetic tests and other diagnostics to find medical problems before birth. Patients throughout Ohio and surrounding states come to the hospital because of the unique blend of specialty services.
“It’s important to diagnose fetal problems as early as possible,” says Director of Imaging Jane Corteville, MD, a fetologist with multidisciplinary expertise in OB/GYN, pediatric genetics and radiology. “When we know about potential issues before delivery, we can counsel parents about what to expect and the treatment options that can help optimize outcomes.”
When doctors find problems, expectant parents meet with specialists before their baby is born. The team of doctors meets monthly to develop a treatment plan in advance. During delivery, specialists provide the baby with any needed medical and/or surgical care right away. This proactive approach can save the lives of babies born with serious medical problems. Staff members in the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital — ranked number four in the nation — also are ready to care for sick babies during those vital first days of life.
Finding New Therapies
Researchers at UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital are involved in national studies designed to identify women at risk for preterm labor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that may help prevent premature deliveries. Pregnant women may be eligible to participate in these clinical trials. To learn more, call 440-995-3809.