Best Tennessee Maternal & Fetal Medicine Specialists

Gestational Diabetes
Glucose comes from the breakdown of food. It is the body's energy source. Assisted by a hormone called insulin, glucose can pass from the blood to the cells. Without insulin, glucose will build up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia. At the same time, your body's cells are starved for glucose (energy).

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) belongs to a group of disorders called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It is caused when a women drinks alcohol during pregnancy. The alcohol can cause birth and developmental defects in the baby. These defects make up FAS.

Down Syndrome
Down syndrome (DS) is a common genetic disorder. It results in birth defects, medical problems, and some degree of Intellectual Disability

Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease. The defect occurs in epithelial (lining) cells. These cells normally create a mucus. The mucus is a vital tool for many organs. CF causes the cells to produce a very thick and rubbery mucus. This most commonly causes: Obstructions and infections of the lungs and airwaysMalabsorption in the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines)

Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes complicates about 3%-5% of all pregnancies-affecting approximately 200,000 women each year in the US.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that begins during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born. According to the American Diabetes Association, women who already have a diagnosis of diabetes , prior to becoming pregnant, would not be classified as having gestational diabetes.

Hypertension
High Blood Pressure is the medical term for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood flow against the artery walls.

Birthmarks
Birthmarks are colored spots on the skin that babies are born with or develop shortly after birth. More than 10 in 100 babies have birthmarks.

These marks vary in color from bright red, pink, brown, tan, and bluish. Birthmarks can be flat on the surface of the skin or raised. Birthmarks are labeled by their colors and consistencies.

Fetal Blood Transfusion
This procedure is done when a baby that is still in the womb suffers from severe Anemia. Anemia is a lack of red blood cells. When the baby's blood count falls too low, a transfusion is needed. A transfusion means giving the baby red blood cells from a donor.

Premature Birth
The normal gestation period for humans is about 40 weeks. Some babies are born before 40 weeks. Any birth that occurs more than three weeks before the due date, or before 37 weeks, is defined as a premature birth.

Neonatal Drug Withdrawal
Neonatal drug withdrawal occurs when a baby who has been exposed to drugs in the womb develops withdrawal symptoms. This occurs because the baby is no longer exposed to the drug the mother was taking. This condition can be caused by medicines, alcohol, and illegal drugs. It can take weeks to months for a baby to fully withdraw from a drug. Without treatment, this can be a life-threatening condition. If you used drugs during your pregnancy, make sure to tell your doctor right away. Your baby can then be tested and treated as soon as she is born.