LongLeaf MFM is dedicated to providing unmatched medical care for women, focusing on the unique needs of our patients. Explore our advanced ultrasound services and more.
Pregnancy Services
Ultrasound
An obstetrical ultrasound is done to visualize the baby, fluid and placenta. Both abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds are routinely performed to obtain the best imaging of your baby. The procedure is performed by an experienced, certified obstetric sonographer. Some common reasons to perform an obstetric ultrasound include pregnancy dating, an evaluation of the baby's anatomy, an evaluation of the placenta, fetal sex determination, an assessment of baby’s growth or well-being, and measurement of the cervix. When possible, a 3-D ultrasound will be performed to provide more information as well as bonding for patients.
Unlike x-rays, ultrasound uses sound waves. No adverse fetal effects or birth defects have been reported when using this tool for diagnostic purposes. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) discourages the use of ultrasound for recreational purposes. At Longleaf Wellness & MFM Center, we welcome your family members to share with you the experience of having an obstetrical ultrasound. We will provide you with images so you can show your baby to family and friends.
Fetal Echocardiography
A fetal echocardiogram is an ultrasound study used to evaluate the baby's heart. As fetal heart defects are serious, it is important to try to identify these problems early, so plans can be made for appropriate referrals, delivery and nursery care. Rarely, some heart conditions will require delivery out-of-the-area at a specialized center.
Some indications for fetal echocardiogram include pre-gestational diabetes, a previous child with a congenital heart problem, heart problems in the family, advanced maternal age, abnormal fetal heartbeat, use of some medications and abnormal genetic (chromosomal) screening.
Fetal echocardiography requires experience and time. Even in the best hands, not all the fetal heart problems can be diagnosed. If the gestational age is early or the baby's position make the heart difficult to see, some views of the heart are limited. On occasion, it is necessary to bring the patient back at a later date to complete the evaluation. Longleaf MFM has an experienced group of sonographers certified in advanced fetal echocardiography.
Diabetes
At Longleaf, we believe in individualizing care for each of our patients. Whether you are pregnant or planning to be, we meet one on one to discuss dietary preferences and recommendations to optimize health long term. We also make sure patients are aware of what to expect in pregnancy with regard to all of the changes in their bodies.
We take care of patients with Gestational Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and LADA. We also care for patients with pre-diabetes or those who are just looking to decrease or maintain their BMI to lower risk of diabetes.
We are capable of initiation and management of medications, continuous glucose monitors, and insulin pumps—however, we believe the foundation is making sure each patient has a strong knowledge of the impact of their diet above and in conjunction with everything else.
Mental Health
Maternal mental health conditions are extremely common, and also extremely commonly overlooked. We believe in making sure our patients have connections to the resources they need, and also believe in being that resource for our patients who need help.
Whether it is referring for counseling/therapy, helping discuss the safest medication management in pregnancy and risk/benefit ratios, getting patients in with psychiatric specialists, or just assessing mental well being before, during, and after pregnancy—we believe mental health needs to always stay a part of the discussion.
Genetic Counseling
At Longleaf MFM our experienced genetic counselor can help guide and educate families throughout their journey of creating their families. Whether in the planning period or already pregnant, reviewing in depth family history and screening for certain conditions can ensure that parents know about possible risks they could encounter during pregnancy.
During a consultation, our genetic counselor can offer and review tests that screen for and diagnose genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome and multiple other potentially serious conditions. Even though these conditions occur more frequently in patients who are older than 35 years old, they can happen in any pregnancy. We aim to help educate about the testing options, offer detailed ultrasounds, send appropriate and timely referrals to specialists, and ultimately provide support to families in cases where there is any concern during the pregnancy.
We also understand that cost and insurance coverage of testing can be a concern. We are able to guide patients through choosing the most affordable options, as well as referring patients to financial assistance programs that are offered by many of the companies who offer genetic testing.
Preconception Counseling
At Longleaf Wellness & MFM, our providers offer preconception counseling, an important service for optimizing health prior to a pregnancy. During these appointments, individuals and couples receive insight and guidance into how best to prepare for a future pregnancy. These appointments are particularly helpful for those with pre-existing medical conditions or a history of a high-risk pregnancy. Pre-existing medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, and other chronic illnesses, are addressed, and management options are discussed to ensure that these conditions are optimally managed prior to a pregnancy. Additionally, patients who have either a personal or family history of genetic disease can discuss these diseases with providers, and have the opportunity to meet with a genetic counselor to learn how genetic disease may affect a pregnancy. Preconception counseling provides the opportunity to discuss the unique needs that an individual may have during a pregnancy, address potential risks, make lifestyle and/or medication adjustments, and offer preventative measures to help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.