Maternal pathology
The Center for Fetal Medicine Clinic of Barcelona is a reference center with the possibility of highly specialized care to pregnant women with pregnancies complicated by any disease or problems during pregnancy. This may include intrauterine growth restriction and preterm labor among others. We offer consultation before pregnancy in cases with poor outome in previous pregnancies, second opinions in complicated pregnancies and comprehensive monitoring high-risk situations.
What do we offer at the Center for Fetal Medicine Clinic of Barcelona?
Our extensive experience and high level of expertise in the field of Maternal-Fetal Medicine allows to offer a comprehensive evaluation to confirm previous diagnoses, thereby establishing the right prognosis and recommendations for the future. We apply up to date protocols incorporating high level tests including advanced evaluation of the fetal brain and heart. We also perform individual follow up in order to avoid possible complications for the mother and the baby, and help establishing the right moment for delivery.
Can the risk before or during pregnancy be assessed?
It is now accepted that a significant proportion of fetal losses are caused by a malfunction of the placenta, similar to those occurring in hypertensive problems or fetal growth anomalies. It is therefore very important to study each case individually, preferably before becoming pregnant again. Furthermore, it is now possible to set different risks accurately from the first trimester of pregnancy. For some diseases such as preeclampsia and preterm birth, preventive treatments are available for patients with a higher risk.
Brief information on some pregnancy complications
What is preeclampsia? It is a disease of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and protein loss in urine. In some cases it can cause the placenta (the organ that provides oxygen and nourishment to the baby) not getting enough blood and cause a baby's growth problem.
What is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)? IUGR is a term used to define a baby who is smaller than usual during pregnancy, due to a problem with the functioning of the placenta. Babies with IUGR do not grow in the uterus at the speed they should and usually are born with a low birth weight.
What is threatened premature labor? It is the risk of having a premature baby. In general, the baby must remain in the womb as long as possible, because the mother assures nutrients, oxygen, moisture and other elements necessary for growth and maturation.
