Prenatal Assessment Centers (PNAC)
If pregnancy complications are suspected or arise, you want to know that the most advanced technology and care will be available for you and your baby. As a statewide leader in the care of mothers and babies, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is proud to offer the most comprehensive programs in the Milwaukee area for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of high-risk pregnancies.
Statewide Leader
In 1990, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Joseph was the first facility in Wisconsin to offer a Prenatal Assessment Center (PNAC). Centers are also located at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints, Elmbrook Memorial, St. Francis and Wauwatosa.
The PNAC Team
The Prenatal Assessment program is directed by an outstanding group of highly trained and experienced maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Also known as perinatologists, these specialists have advanced training and skill in diagnosing and treating the complications of pregnancy and the conditions of the developing fetus.
Integral to our PNAC team are skilled and experienced nurses with expertise in the management of high-risk pregnancy. Beyond clinical care, PNAC nurses are available to provide patient education, help coordinate care and related services, and offer a reassuring presence during what can be a stressful time.
Social workers, dietitians, and anesthesiologists round out our multidisciplinary team -- all focusing on supporting the mother and her unborn child. For conditions requiring specific expertise, our PNAC team works with top experts throughout the region in fetal therapy, surgery and other pediatric specialties. These include pediatric medical specialists such as neonatologists, urologists, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, abdominal surgeons, and geneticists.
Reasons for Referral
Working collaboratively with the patient's obstetrician or primary care physician, our team co-manages the patient's care, offering information about the most current approaches and techniques to diagnose and treat complicated pregnancies.
Women may be referred to our PNACs due to:
- Advanced maternal age
- 1st trimester screening and nuchal fold assessment
- 2nd trimester screening and detailed anatomical survey
- Counseling for cerlage placement
- Chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, asthma or high blood pressure
- Exposure to infectious disease
- Exposure to alcohol, drugs, and toxic substances
- Fetal echo for maternal diabetes
- Preconception counseling
- Pregnancy of twins and multiples
- Previous miscarriage
- Previous premature birth
- Previous stillbirth
- Suspected fetal abnormalities
- Suspicion of an inherited condition
- Problem with previous pregnancy or delivery
- Uterine malformations
Services and procedures include:
- Assessment of fetal well being
- NST
- BPP
- Doppler
- Assessment of cervix/uterine malformation
- Assessment and management of Twin to Twin Syndrome in concert with Dr. Julian De Lia (International Institute of Twin to Twin Syndrome)
- Assessment and management of the iso-immunized pregnancy (Rh disease), cerebral Doppler evaluation.
- Breech version
- Consultation (outpatient and inpatient)
- Preconception
- Genetic counseling
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Poor obstetric history
- Cerclage
- High resolution 3D/4D ultrasound (state-of-the-art)
- First trimester screening/nuchal fold
- Detailed ultrasound
- Amniocentesis
- Fetal echo
- Management of diabetes
- Surgical procedures
- Cerclage (prophylactic and rescue)
- PUBS
- Fetal shunt placement (thoracic and bladder)
Prenatal Care Close to Home
Locations
Prenatal Assessment Centers (PNAC) are located throughout Southeast Wisconsin so patients and their families
can receive care close to home. This is particularly important during what can be an exciting yet stressful time
for the entire family.
Wauwatosa (main office)
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare --Wauwatosa
201 N. Mayfair Road, 3rd Floor
(414) 259-7480
Brookfield
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -- Elmbrook Memorial
19333 W. North Avenue
(262) 785-2424
Milwaukee
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -- St. Francis
3237 S. 16th Street
(414) 647-5380
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -- St. Joseph
5000 W. Chambers Street
(414) 447-2569
Racine
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -- All Saints
St. Luke's Health Pavilion
3821 Spring Street
(262) 687-3111
For more information on our Prenatal Assessment Centers, please call: Wauwatosa location at 414-259-7480.