Texas Children's Fetal Center Launches Unique Program for Moms Expecting Multiples

First-of-its-kind, one-day consultation provides specialized, supplemental care for women who are pregnant with more than one baby

HOUSTON, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Becoming pregnant with multiples comes with a unique set of guidelines, challenges and expectations and should be treated differently than carrying a singleton.  Today, Texas Children's Hospital announced the opening of Program for Multiples, a one-day consultation that will provide women who are expecting multiples a comprehensive guide to managing their pregnancy. The Program for Multiples combines the highest level of genetic counseling, fetal imaging, maternal fetal medicine expertise and nutritional guidance to produce a highly specific pregnancy "road map" for these women. This one-day service is the first of its kind in the United States and designed to be the first stop for mothers of multiples who are between 10-18 weeks pregnant on the way to welcoming the healthiest possible babies.  For more information on The Program for Multiples, visit http://bit.ly/programformultiples.

The Program for Multiples is built on evidence-based research and proven practices in maternal-fetal medicine and is designed to complement the regular prenatal care provided by a woman's primary obstetrician or midwife.  It is not intended to replace normal obstetric care, but rather the goal is to partner with community physicians to promote healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.  Patients may self-refer.

"We want pregnant women to think of this as their first stop – a place to get all the information they need to move forward," said Kenneth Moise, Jr, MD, medical director for the Program for Multiples at Texas Children's Fetal Center and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine.  "If moms are expecting more than one baby, the Program for Multiples is simply an extra appointment that they should book. A very important appointment!"

With a multiples pregnancy, one of the most important things to watch in the first trimester is how much weight you are gaining.  These special pregnancies have nutritional guidelines that are different than a singleton pregnancy.  By following these guidelines, moms have less risk of developing complications in their pregnancies.  In addition, fetal medicine has advanced so much today that complications, if caught early, can be treated.  By attending the Program for Multiples, expecting moms of multiples are given access to the best prenatal care possible, are taught the proper dietary regulations and receive top-of-the line imaging so they can see into their pregnancy to make sure the babies are growing regularly.  

"A multiple pregnancy is very unique, and can sometimes feel overwhelming," said Karen Moise, RN, coordinator for the Program for Multiples.  "This program really breaks down everything moms need to know about their pregnancy as well as checks for certain high risk factors so that families can feel confident knowing they are completely prepared for what lies ahead."  

Experts from Texas Children's Fetal Center work with each patient to develop a customized health and nutrition plan for both mom and her babies and to identify potential risk factors and early complications associated with multiples.  Each consultation includes:

• Comprehensive ultrasound – an enhanced ultrasound to determine key markers for potential high risk conditions
• Genetic counseling and testing –  a consultation with certified genetic counselors at Baylor College of Medicine to determine inherited risk factors in the pregnancy
• Personalized nutritional assessment – a personalized nutrition plan based specifically on your needs and created by a registered dietitian
• Maternal-fetal medicine consultation –– a comprehensive assessment outlining potential obstetrical complications and a customized pregnancy guide provided by a maternal-fetal specialist reminding you of key check-ins throughout your pregnancy such as when to have follow-up ultrasounds and diabetes checks.

Texas Children's Fetal Center is one of the nation's top centers for fetal health.  Experts in multiple pregnancies such as Kenneth Moise, Jr., MD, Manisha Gandhi, MD, Karen Moise, RN, and Susanne Trout, RD, LD, IBCLC, have joined together in this program to provide an outstanding day of consultation for this special group of pregnant women.  

Kenneth Moise concluded, "Whether this appointment leads to early detection of a treatable condition, or simply arms moms with the know-how to tackle their pregnancy with confidence, mothers of multiples should capitalize on this resource to enhance their pregnancy care and promote positive outcomes."

Women who are interested in attending the Fetal Center's Program for Multiples can self-refer by downloading an application at http://bit.ly/programformultiples.  

About Texas Children's Fetal Center – Texas Children's Fetal Center is a national leader in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities in unborn and newborn infants. The physicians at Texas Children's Fetal Center are recognized leaders in fetal medicine and fetal and neonatal surgery. As one of only four centers in the United States that provides the full spectrum of fetal therapies, including fetal intervention and fetal surgery, Texas Children's Fetal Center is committed to providing accurate diagnosis and premier, complete treatment for pregnant women and their unborn children. For more information, visit www.fetal.texaschildrens.org.

CONTACT: Nicole Truscinski, +1-212-677-2748, [email protected]

SOURCE Texas Children's Hospital