AHN is transforming high-risk pregnancy care: Diabetes management, genetic testing and more

As maternal-fetal medicine continues to evolve, AHN is leading the way in specialized programs designed to manage high-risk pregnancies. From diabetes in pregnancy management to advanced genetic counseling and first-trimester anatomy ultrasounds, AHN provides comprehensive, patient-centered care.

AHN Diabetes in Pregnancy Program

Managed by three dedicated CRNPS, in 2024 alone, our diabetes team handled nearly 1,000 patient. Through a standardized referral process:

Patients with type 1, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or pre-diabetes receive counseling and ongoing diabetes management with our team of specialists.

As part of the patients care, nutrition counseling is provided through AHN’s diabetes center.

A two-step approach to diabetes management

Education and training: Once referred,patients meet with the diabetes education team to understand and learn to manage condition including diet and exercise recommendations, how to use a glucose meter, and goal blood sugar levels in pregnancy.

Medical consultation: One week later, patients have a one-hour consultation with a CRNP. The team reviews their medical history, reviews the blood sugar information and discusses how this diagnosis impacts pregnancy. The CRNP that they meet with for this consultation will manage their diabetes throughout pregnancy, building a relationship of trust with the patient.

Ongoing management and monitoring

Many patients will improve with diet and exercise If a patient requires additional treatment to manage their diabetes:

• Weekly or bi-weekly follow up including blood sugar monitoring and review, growth ultrasounds, and additional antenatal testing may take place depending on their needs.
• Medication to manage their blood sugars will be discussed with the patient. Insulin is the preferred, gold-standard treatment, following ACOG and ADA guidelines and may be prescribed if patient blood sugar levels are high despite diet and exercise changes.
• Patients in the program are followed by the same CRNP throughout their entire experience.

Seamless coordination with OB providers

• Most patients can still deliver with their existing OB at their preferred facility.
• Our team can coordinate postpartum glucose tests between 4-12 weeks after delivery.
• High-risk deliveries are referred to West Penn’s Level III NICU for coordinated care.
• Additional patient support includes access to AHN Healthy Food Centers for those facing food insecurity.

Genetic and early ultrasound examination available at AHN

For patients at high risk for a genetic abnormality or for birth defects, like patients with, AHN offers unique testing:

• Genetic counseling and screening tests
  • Non-invasive prenatal testing
• Carrier screening (offered to both parents if appropriate)
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Amniocentesis testing
• Whole exome testing (in limited capacity)
• First-Trimester Anatomy Ultrasound

The First Trimester Anatomy Ultrasound is an emerging, sensitivity ultrasound assessment for early diagnosis of congenital anomalies and birth defects., this ultrasound can be done as early as 12-13 weeks and six days.

If you have patients that could benefit from our Diabetes in Pregnancy Program or other prenatal genetic testing and support, contact us today.

How to make a referral

AHN physicians: Use Epic; Please select “Ambulatory referral to perinatology” and/or “Ambulatory referral to prenatal genetics.”

Non-AHN physicians: Complete referral form and send along with any patient chart info/scans via fax to 412- 578-1587.