Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – As part of the Live Well series, UVA Health’s Dr. Robert Fuller, a maternal-fetal medicine physician, shared vital insights into advances in prenatal diagnosis and care on Morning News. Highlighting the rapid progress in medical technology, Dr. Fuller stated, “Just a little more than a generation ago, we barely had ultrasound that would be able to diagnose birth defects or structural abnormalities… Since that time, we have blood testing and invasive testing that can diagnose a large number of genetic conditions that we can use to help us understand how a baby would grow to allow early intervention and to allow parents to make the best decisions for their families.” 

Dr. Fuller also highlighted the significance of counseling resources for expectant parents dealing with difficult diagnoses. He noted that counseling begins before testing starts to help couples prepare for any potential findings. Additionally, genetic counselors, OB-GYNs, and pediatric specialists are available to provide support and guidance throughout the process.  

He encouraged expectant parents to optimize their health throughout the pregnancy journey and pointed to UVA Health’s online resources for additional support. “Searching maternal fetal medicine or pregnancy care at UVA will provide a beginning to find some of those resources,”. For specific resources on specific conditions though, we do advise to discuss that care with a medical professional,” Dr. Fuller advised. 

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