Cardiovascular disease poses a particular risk to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery--conditions that stress the heart and circulatory system--and is the number one cause of maternal mortality in the USA, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. Established in February 2015, the Maternal Fetal Medicine-Cardiology Joint Program at Montefiore Medical Center is an inter-professional referral center for high-risk pregnant patients with cardiac disease. The Program's mission is to reduce morbidity and prevent mortality in expecting mothers with cardiovascular disease.
Patients who are referred to the program are seen jointly by an obstetrician and a cardiologist, as well as a maternal fetal medicine or adult congenital heart disease fellow. Many times, same-day testing is arranged for either cardiology or obstetrical assessment. Several cardiology examination rooms at the Montefiore Hutchinson Campus are equipped with supplies and examination tables to assess both mother and fetus.
Services
Before Pregnancy
- pre-conception consultation
During Pregnancy
- regular visits with obstetricians and cardiologists specializing in patients' particular heart conditions
- expedited obstetric and cardiological testing
- medication management
- fetal echocardiography
- customized delivery plans
Labor and Delivery
- cardiologist evaluation from admission to birth
- anesthesia management
After Birth
- evaluation of risk for future pregnancies
- birth control counseling and visit with a family planning specialist
- long term preventive care
Experts
Cardiology
Maternal Fetal Medicine
Referrals
Physicians may make referrals by emailing a short summary of their patients to:
Yolanda Borras
yborras@montefiore.org
Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart & Vascular Care
1250 Waters Place Tower II
7th Floor
Bronx, NY 10461