Siva Thiagarajah, M.D., is medical director of Martha Jefferson Hospital's Prenatal Diagnosis Center. An expert in maternal and fetal medicine, his medical education includes an Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the University of Virginia, completed in 1970, and a residency in Obstetrics/Gynecology, completed there in 1974. In 1981, he completed a fellowship in Maternal and Fetal Medicine at U.Va. He is board certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology and also in Maternal and Fetal Medicine.

Under the guidance of Dr. Thiagarajah, The Prenatal Diagnosis Center offers the earliest screening available for Down Syndrome and other abnormalities in an unborn baby. Dr. Thiagarajah performs first trimester screenings between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. The screening will detect 80-90 percent of chromosome abnormalities. Dr. Thiagarajah also performs second trimester ultrasounds to evaluate for abnormalities.

Couples referred to the Prenatal Diagnosis Center may receive genetic counseling. Jennifer M. Boner, who has a master's degree in the field, meets with couples who are at increased risk for fetal abnormalities. Prior to their scheduled ultrasound procedure, she takes a detailed family and medical history and gives an idea of what the ultrasound examination and other possible tests will be like. She also discusses abnormal results and options with the families.

For more information about the Center, talk with your healthcare provider.