The Perinatal Center

The Perinatal Center at St. Joseph Medical Center is devoted to providing comprehensive care for high-risk pregnancies. Our team of highly qualified, perinatologists, one of whom is also a board-certified geneticist, work with registered sonographers, genetic counselors and nursing support staff to manage complicated pregnancies.

Preconception Services 
Many potential problems in pregnancy can be addressed prior to conception. Our high risk obstetricians offer counseling for women with:

• A history of pregnancy loss
• A history of preterm labor and/or delivery
  
  

  Physicians: Judith Pratt Rossiter, M.D. Perinatologist & Geneticist Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Director of Perinatal Center Alice Cootauco, M.D. Perinatologist Perinatal Staff Members: Wendy Callaghan, BS, RDMS Leslie Bowden, BSN, RDMS Margaret Davis, RDMS, RDCS Debbie Shapiro BA, RDMS Susan Minniss, RN, BSN Jennifer Deets, CMA Sharon Comegys, Office Manager Forms: Diabetes Oral Medication Flow Sheet Diabetes Pump Flow Sheet  Pump Flow Sheet

• Chronic medical conditions (diabetes, thyroid disease, connective tissue disorders, hypertension and cardiac disease
• Family or personal history of genetic disorders
• Advanced maternal age

Obstetrical Services
Our perinatologists provide consultation and ongoing management through the various stages of high risk pregnancies. The physicians at our center work with referring practitioners to optimize the prenatal care of women whose pregnancies are complicated by conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Preterm labor
• Intrauterine growth restriction
• Disorders of amniotic fluid volume
• Hypertension disorders
• Thyroid disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Multiple gestation
• Incompetent cervix
• Breech presentation; external version is available 

Antenatal Testing 
The Perinatal Center offers testing for fetal well-being, including non-stress tests, biophysical profiles, nuchal translucency screening and amniotic fluid indices. These tests are performed in a private and comfortable environment. 

Ultrasound and Fetal Diagnosis 
The Perinatal Center upholds the highest standards for practicing ultrasound, using the latest imaging technology. Our center is one of Baltimore’s first to be accredited by The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). The center’s sonographers are registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonography. Complete fetal anatomy and growth assessment scans are offered to detect many abnormalities. An on-site perinatalogist reviews every study and is available to report immediate results to patients and referring providers. When indicated, fetal diagnosis is available, including chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. FAQs about your visit to the Perinatal Center, learn more + 

Multiple Gestation 
On-site perinatalogy, ultrasound and fetal monitoring allow for comprehensive care of women who are carrying more than one baby to plan for delivery as close to term as possible. The center has extensive experience in the care and delivery of twins, triplets and quadruplets. 

Genetic Counseling
Prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling are provided in a supportive manner for families at risk for fetal abnormalities or hereditary disorders, due to such conditions as:

• Advanced maternal age
• Abnormal first or second trimester screen results
• Fetal anomalies detected by ultrasound
• Congenital infections
• Family or personal history of genetic disorders
• Medication, environmental or teratogen exposures

Contact Us
Located on the first floor of the Ambulatory Services Building at St. Joseph Medical Center, The Perinatal Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 410-337-4480.

Additional office location at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center on Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., for ultrasound and perinatal consultation. Call 410-337-1387 to schedule an appointment. Click here for directions.