Perinatology

Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated?

In our perinatology department, the follow-up and treatment of many complex conditions originating from either the expectant mother or the baby are carried out.

Preeclampsia (Toxemia of Pregnancy)

This is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein leakage in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can seriously threaten maternal and infant health. Our department ensures the early prediction of preeclampsia, close monitoring of the expectant mother, and the safe management of the process with appropriate medical approaches.

Premature Birth (Preterm Labor)

This is the onset of labor before the 37th week of pregnancy. Detecting the risk of premature birth in advance through ultrasonography and clinical findings is vital for the baby to complete lung development and be born in the healthiest conditions.

Fetal Growth Restriction

This is when the baby cannot reach its expected growth potential in the womb due to genetic or placental reasons. The baby's well-being is closely monitored with regular ultrasound follow-ups and blood flow (Doppler) measurements, and birth is planned at the most appropriate time.

Gestational Diabetes and Maternal Diseases

The management of conditions such as diabetes, thyroid, heart, or kidney diseases that emerge during pregnancy or existed before pregnancy is meticulously handled by our specialists. Blood sugar regulation is a critical step to prevent excessive growth of the baby or problems it may experience after birth.

Multiple Pregnancies

Multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, inherently carry a higher risk than singleton pregnancies. Blood flow imbalances or developmental differences between babies are closely monitored to aim for a healthy birth process.

Placental Adherence Anomalies

These are conditions where the placenta attaches deeper than normal to the uterine wall (placenta accreta, percreta) or settles over a previous cesarean scar (cesarean scar pregnancy). Since these cases carry a serious risk of bleeding during birth, they must definitely be managed by an experienced high-risk pregnancy doctor.

Diagnostic Methods

In our department, the most up-to-date technological devices and diagnostic methods are used to evaluate the health status of the baby in the womb.

Detailed Fetal Ultrasonography (Detailed Ultrasound)

This is an ultrasound procedure, usually performed between the 18th and 23rd weeks of pregnancy, where all the baby's organs (heart, brain, spine, kidneys, facial structures, etc.) are examined in detail. In your search for a detailed ultrasound in Istanbul, we are by your side with our hospital's advanced 4-dimensional ultrasonography (4D USG) devices and expert physicians.

Fetal Anomaly Screening

These are comprehensive screenings performed to determine whether the baby has a structural or genetic anomaly. Thanks to fetal anomaly screening, potential problems are detected early, providing a great advantage for the proper management of the pregnancy process.

Amniocentesis

This is the process of taking a sample from the amniotic fluid in which the baby floats in the womb, using a thin needle under ultrasound guidance. It is used for genetic tests and infection screenings. As one of the hospitals performing amniocentesis, our institution applies this procedure with high technology and maximum safety precautions.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) and Cordocentesis

These are the procedures of taking a tissue sample from the placenta (CVS) or drawing blood from the baby's cord (cordocentesis) in the earlier weeks of pregnancy. They are successfully performed by our perinatologists in special situations requiring a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Methods and Applications

Various treatments and interventions can be applied in the womb or during pregnancy follow-up for diagnosed conditions.

Cervical Insufficiency Management (Cervical Cerclage)

This is the procedure of placing a stitch around the cervix to prevent it from opening painlessly and causing premature birth or miscarriage. This supports the pregnancy to continue safely until term.

Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion

In case of severe anemia in the unborn baby due to reasons such as blood incompatibility or infection, this is the process of giving blood to the baby through the cord. This advanced intervention is life-saving for the baby.

Technology and Team

The BHT CLINIC Perinatology department provides services at international quality standards within our JCI-accredited hospital. Our clinic is equipped with high-resolution 4-dimensional ultrasonography (4D USG) devices. Our experienced perinatology specialists work in multidisciplinary harmony with the obstetrics and gynecology, neonatal intensive care (NICU), and medical genetics departments. Our goal is to secure maternal and infant health even in the most complex and high-risk situations.

When Should You See a Doctor?

To have a healthy pregnancy process and identify potential risks in advance, it is recommended to apply to our perinatology department in the following situations:

• If you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant at the age of 35 or older,
• If you have a history of recurrent miscarriage, premature birth, or preeclampsia in previous pregnancies,
• If you are expecting a multiple pregnancy such as twins or triplets,
• If a suspicious finding was encountered on ultrasound during your routine obstetric check-ups,
• If you have a known chronic disease (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, or heart disease) before pregnancy,
• If you want to have a routine detailed ultrasound screening between the 18th and 23rd weeks of your pregnancy.

Appointment and Examination Process

The perinatology examination at BHT CLINIC Istanbul Tema Hospital is a highly comfortable, transparent, and patient-oriented process. Our physician listens to your medical history in detail, reviews your current tests, and evaluates your baby's condition with our advanced ultrasound devices. You will be given clear information about any additional tests deemed necessary. For a healthy pregnancy journey, do not delay; you can get detailed information and book an appointment by using the Book an Online Appointment link or calling our call center at 0850 811 34 00.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what week is a detailed ultrasound performed?

Detailed ultrasonography is generally performed between the 18th and 23rd weeks of pregnancy. Since the baby's organ development is largely complete and the amniotic fluid is sufficient during this period, anatomical structures can be evaluated most clearly.

What is the difference between a perinatologist and an obstetrician?

While Obstetrics and Gynecology specialists deal with general pregnancy follow-up, childbirth, and women's health; Perinatology specialists are physicians who have received 3 more years of subspecialty training on top of this education, specializing particularly in high-risk pregnancies, fetal anomalies, and intrauterine treatments.

What are the symptoms of a high-risk pregnancy?

Conditions such as severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, sudden and severe headache, visual disturbances, a significant decrease in the baby's movements, excessive edema, or high blood pressure during pregnancy can be symptoms of a high-risk pregnancy. In such cases, a specialist should be consulted without delay.

Is the amniocentesis procedure dangerous?

Amniocentesis is a very safe procedure when performed by expert perinatologists under high-resolution ultrasound guidance. The risk of miscarriage or infection related to the procedure is at very low levels with today's technology and in experienced hands.