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includes certified genetic counselor Erin Rooney, MS, who also serves as a patient care coordinator. As such, she works with the patient’s ob/gyn and/or family physician and other physicians and caregivers who, when needed, are part of the extended team. They include neonatologists, cardiologists, neurologists, nutritionists, nurses, social workers, home health coordina- tors and various adult and pediatric subspecialists. “We pride ourselves on having a truly integrated team to meet all of the needs of both mothers and babies,” says Dr. Gill, medical director of Aultman’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine Program. “Our program is not a virtual pro- gram; we are physically and clinically integrated with these other specialties. Our neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] is located in close proximity to the Birth Center’s LDRP [Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum] rooms. This allows for maximum interaction and collaboration between maternal- fetal medicine physicians and other caregivers, and gives the patient a truly seamless care experience.” Dr. McDaniel, who is medical director of the Aultman Birth Center, agrees. “Having everything together under one roof is an advantage. And the fact that our obstetrical and neonatal services have achieved level III designation — the highest awarded by the Ohio Department of Health — is another plus, because that means seriously ill mothers and their babies can stay together in the same hospital.” High-Level Care Women with medical disorders such as heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or gastrointestinal disease, diabetes or infectious disease are often at higher risk for pregnancy and/or delivery complications. But even healthy women can experience adverse pregnancy outcomes. A woman can be referred to the maternal-fetal medicine team at Aultman if she has a problem such as an abnormal alpha fetoprotein (AFP) blood test indicating a risk for birth defects, if she is carrying multiple fetuses or has had recurrent pregnancy issues such as preterm labor or pregnancy loss, or if fetal growth restriction is suspected. A referral to Aultman’s Maternal- Fetal Medicine Program may also be indicated for preconception planning or education during pregnancy about the risks and problems associated with various inherited conditions. “Our program’s outpatient services include availability for evaluation of all genetic and health concerns that women, who are pregnant or are con- sidering a pregnancy, may have,” says Dr. Gill. “We can provide everything from preconception planning through pregnancy management (primary or consultative) to delivery, if needed.” Diagnostic services include fetal echocardiograms, amniocentesis, sequential screening, and nuchal translucency screening. Seven new, state-of-the-art GE 3-D/4-D ultrasound machines can help diagnose fetal structural abnormalities. Patients who have prenatal ultrasound at Aultman receive scan results before they leave the building and may speak with a physician immediately if there are any concerns. Having state-of-the-art technology, as well as highly skilled staff, contributed Timothy McDaniel, MD, medical director of Aultman’s Birth Center, left, and Michael Krew, MD, medical director of Perinatal Services Level III, utilize the advanced maternal and neonatal simulator NOELLE to train medical students, residents and staff. PHOTO © JOE SMITHBERGER, SMITHBERGER PHOTOGRAPHY, NORTH CANTON