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Amniocentesis Test |
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Just what is the amniocentesis test and how it can help us diagnose
certain conditions during your pregnancy?
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Who should consider prenatal
testing and genetic counseling?
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You are pregnant and will be 35 years of age or
older on your due date.
You are pregnant with an abnormal expanded AFP
blood test.
(Quad Test)
You have had an ultrasound of your fetus showing
a possible birth defect.
You have already had a child or close
relative with a birth defect or genetic disease.
You and your partner are carriers of a
recessively inherited disease such as Tay-Sachs, sickle cell anemia,
cystic fibrosis or thalassemia.
You are a carrier of an X linked disease such as
Fragile X, hemophilia or muscular dystrophy.
You and your partner are closely related to each
other (such as first cousins).
You have been exposed to medications, X-rays or
other agents during your pregnancy that may be harmful to the
developing fetus.
To fill out our online assessment form
click here
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Our Physician's backgrounds speak for themselves and the work they do on
a daily basis. Below you will find an overview of our Doctors.
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Siva
Thiagarajah, M.D. Siva
Thiagarajah, M.D., is the medical director of the Prenatal Diagnosis
Center which is affiliated with Martha Jefferson Hospital.
His medical education includes
an Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the University of
Virginia, completed in 1970, and a residency in
Obstetrics/Gynecology, completed there in 1974. In 1981, he
completed a fellowship in Maternal and Fetal Medicine at U.Va. He is
board certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology and also in Maternal-Fetal
Medicine.
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Gary D
Helmbrecht, M.D.
Gary D. Helmbrecht, M.D. is board certified in
Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine. His medical
education includes a Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of
Wisconsin, Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at The National Naval
Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and Fellowship in
Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center in
Washington, DC completed in 1994.
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Fotini Vavelides, Genetic
Counselor
Couples referred to the Prenatal Diagnosis Center may receive
genetic counseling. Fotini Vavelidis has a master's degrees in human
genetics and genetic counseling from Sarah Lawrence College in New
York. She served as a genetics associate at the Children’s National
Medical Center in Washington, DC. Fotini has a wealth of knowledge and
experience to share. She is extremely compassionate and caring.
Prior to your scheduled ultrasound procedure, Fotini will meet with
you and your spouse if you are at risk for fetal chromosomal and
structural abnormalities, genetic disorders, or have been exposed to
various medications or other agents potentially harmful to your
baby. During the visit, she will further explain and clarify those
risks. She will take a detailed family and medical history and
explain what the ultrasound examination and other possible tests
will be like. She will also take the time to discuss abnormal
results and options with the families. Fotini
was a member of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division at the UVA
Center before joining our practice. |
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