Stony Brook Medicine is what is known as a referral center for all high-risk pregnancies and deliveries in Suffolk County. This means that women who have known risks — advanced age, pre-existing conditions or acquired risks such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes — will be referred to Stony Brook by their doctors for management of their pregnancy.
This can range from ongoing monitoring and specialized testing to 24/7 bedrest, surgical cerclage or — if a problem is identified with the fetus — in-utero surgery. In addition, if a woman has another health problem not associated with the pregnancy but could be affected by the stress of childbirth — for example a heart condition or autoimmune disorder — Stony Brook can put a multidisciplinary care team of experts in place for the birth, who are prepared for potential complications unique to her condition.
Also, women who experience complications or premature deliveries at local community hospitals will be transferred to Stony Brook Medicine so they can receive appropriate, advanced care. Our transport service is staffed by obstetric experts to ensure the safety of mother and baby en route.
The doctors who treat high-risk pregnancies are known as maternal fetal medicine physicians. At Stony Brook, these are board-certified obstetric-gynecologists who have completed a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine. Leading our department is David Garry, DO, who along with J. Gerald Quick, MD, PhD, have pioneered a robotically assisted cerclage to help prevent preterm delivery.
The department is also committed to preventing premature births and can help women assess their risks before pregnancy, guide the decision-making process, and connect them with genetic counselors and other experts as needed.
Physicians and Staff:
Cecilia Avila, MD, MPH
David Baker, MD
James Bernasko, MD, FACOG, CDE, CDTC
Jennifer Choi, DO
Diana Garretto, MD, FACOG
David Garry, DO, FACOG
Kimberly Herrera, MD, FACOG
Cassandra Heiselman, DO, MPH, FACOG
Ayesha Hussain, DO
Kristen Alarcon, NP
Nancy Bowden, NP, CNM