Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital has expanded its Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic to two days per week to meet the demand for testing and consultation for high-risk pregnancies in Fort Bend County.
Each Wednesday and Friday, a specialized team from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston Maternal-Fetal Medicine division provides diagnostic testing, genetic counseling and specialized fetal care to women referred by their obstetricians. The team is composed of a physician with advanced training in maternal-fetal medicine, an ultrasonographer and a genetic counselor.
This Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic, located on the first floor of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, is the only one of its kind in Fort Bend County. When it opened last November, the Wednesday appointment times quickly filled. As a result, the hospital modified existing space to provide the specialized clinic with dedicated space for expanded service. The clinic includes a 4-D ultrasound imaging device with higher frame speeds to more closely capture a baby’s natural movements.
“Having the UT Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic at our hospital enables us to provide an even higher level of care to Fort Bend County women so they don’t have to drive to the Texas Medical Center,” said Steven Weber, chief nursing officer at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land.
Along with 3-D and 4-D comprehensive and targeted fetal ultrasounds, the clinic provides other testing to determine how blood flow and oxygen are impacting fetal development. Some of these tests include amniocentesis, Doppler studies, fetal biophysical profiles and non-stress tests.
Weber also highlighted the continuity of care available to women if something is detected at the clinic that requires immediate care.
“Even if a woman has to be admitted to a facility in the Texas Medical Center, she is under the care of the maternal-fetal medicine doctor,” said Weber. “Once she’s ready for delivery, she can come back to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and be closer to her family.”
