Specialist in High Risk Pregnancies

Our practice is limited to the care of women with complicated pregnancies. We offer both inpatient and outpatient services including consultation, pregnancy management, ultrasound, amniocenteses, genetic studies and counseling. We deliver our patients at Fresno Community Regional Center where they are highly specialized in obstetrical and neonatal care. Our office is also a State approved AFP center. We provide care for women with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, renal disease and lupus. We also see women with prior poor pregnancy histories such as miscarriage, stillbirth, previous babies with birth defects and previous pre term birth. Women with complications in the current pregnancy such as pre-term labor, abnormal bleeding, premature rupture of membranes, multiple gestations (twins, triplets, quadruplets), and fetuses with birth defects requiring specialized care are also seen in our office. Our physicians are board certified specialists in maternal fetal medicine. We also have a team of the top sonographers in the Central Valley who have been doing obstetric ultrasound for a combined total of 100 years.
When you visit our practice please bring all insurance information including insurance card and co-payment. Every effort is made to see you at your appointment date and time but occasional emergencies or deliveries may cause delays. We do our best to keep you from being inconvenienced. We do ask that no children under the age of 14 be brought to our office due to our high risk patients. We also do not allow any cameras or camcorders during your visit. Every patient will receive a CD with an assortment of pictures of your baby taken during the exam. Please limit the amount of guest brought to your appointment. We have limited space in both the waiting and exam room. Please feel free to call us at 559-268-8307 with any questions and concerns.

Obstetrical Sonography

Obstetrical Sonography is the use of sound waves emitted from a transducer placed on the abdomen to look at the the fetus. With these images, our sonographers can look at the organs to help determine the health of the fetus. A full bladder is required when the patient is under 14 weeks. The full bladder changes the position of the fetus and creates a more direct route for the soundwaves to pass and get a clearer picture.

Amniocentesis

A small amount of amniotic fluid is taken from the sac aroud the developing fetus. This sample contains the DNA that can help uncover genetic abnormalities.

Fetal Echocardiography

Fetal echocardiography is the name of the test used to diagnose cardiac conditions in the fetal stage. Cardiac defects are amongst the most common birth defects. Their diagnosis is important in the fetal stage as it might help provide an opportunity to plan and manage the baby as and when the baby is born.

Genetic Counseling

There are a variety of tests and treatments possible for people having children with a birth defect or genetic disorder. Our genetic couselor’s job is to advise you of the tests and treatment options available and to read the results to help you decide what is best for you and your baby.

Perinatal Consultation

Are you looking to get pregnant but would like to know what your risks might be? Maybe you know your history and want advice on how to proceed with pregnancy. Dr. Helm offers perinatal consultation to help you go over your concerns we well and informed you improvements you can make to your lifestyle to better your outcome.