Louise Wilkins-Haug, MD, PhD

Clinical Lead, Fetal Care and Surgery Center

Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School

Phone 617-732-4840

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NPI 1437196177

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Louise Wilkins-Haug, MD, PhD

Clinical Lead, Fetal Care and Surgery Center

Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School

Medical Services

Languages

English

Education

Undergraduate School

Madison College

1976

Harrisonburg

Graduate School

Medical College of Virginia

1981

Richmond

Medical School

Stanford Medical School

1985

Stanford

Internship

University of Colorado

1986

Denver

Residency

University of Colorado

1989

Denver

Fellowship

Brigham & Women's Hospital

Maternal Fetal Medicine

1992

Boston

Certifications

American Board of Pediatrics (General)

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Maternal and Fetal Medicine)

Professional History

With early career training in human genetics, I saw the unfolding of our understanding of the deep connection between human genetics and pregnancy outcomes – both those pregnancies which proceed without complication and those with unexpected complications such as preterm delivery, preeclampsia or a fetal condition. In these settings, helping a woman and her family navigate the vast information available, prepare for her delivery and develop a support system to sustain her through this process is a challenge and a privilege. My participation with multispecialty care teams provides me daily re-enforcement of their value and the need for patients to be informed as they face a life-changing experience.

As a geneticist, we are only beginning to understand the vast range of genomic contributions to pregnancy outcomes. Continuing to explore how genetics influences a pregnancy is critical. And that what was once considered dogma should always be open for re-analysis. A highlight of my time working in the field of congenital anomalies has been with our fetal cardiac intervention program. Involving a range of specialists, our team showed that the accepted version of a birth defect as a static and predetermined event may not always be true. Some birth defects may result from progressive change through a pregnancy. For a subgroup of fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, we demonstrated that stenosis of the aortic valve can be the primary event. As the pregnancy continues progressive loss of fetal left ventricle function occurs and results in a newborn with classic HLHS. Most importantly, “in utero” valve dilation of the aortic valve stenosis can prevent further damage to the left ventricle. Over the past 15 years, this team has worked on perfecting and minimizing maternal risks of the procedure, identifying key imaging criteria, and explored at the biologic level how to differentiate the degree of fetal heart damage. As the primary fetal interventionist for this team since 2000, the progress made in both the technique and the outcomes for these children has been a gift.

Approach to Care

My job as a high-risk obstetrician and geneticist combines my passion for understanding complex conditions and translating that information into compassionate and patient centered care. While the individual circumstances of a specific complication and family are always unique, a team approach assures compassionate, broad reaching and patient specific support.

Publications

Routine Prenatal cfDNA Screening for Autosomal Dominant Single-Gene Conditions. View Abstract

Maternal Vascular Malperfusion and Anatomic Cord Abnormalities Are Prevalent in Pregnancies With Fetal Congenital Heart Disease. View Abstract

The bright future of fetal cardiology. View Abstract

The patient experience of a postpartum readmission for hypertension: a qualitative study. View Abstract

Technical Success and Serious Adverse Events for Fetal Aortic Valvuloplasty in a Large 20-Year Cohort. View Abstract

High-Resolution and Noninvasive Fetal Exome Screening. View Abstract

Prenatal vs postnatal diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: cardiac and noncardiac outcomes through 1 year of age. View Abstract

Unique Challenges of NIPT for Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy. View Abstract

Transuterine Ultrasound-Guided Fetal Embolization of Vein of Galen Malformation, Eliminating Postnatal Pathophysiology. View Abstract

Postnatal genetic testing on cord blood for prenatally identified high-probability cases. View Abstract

Single gene non-invasive prenatal screening for autosomal dominant conditions in a high-risk cohort. View Abstract

Redesigning Care for the Management of Postpartum Hypertension: How Can Ob-Gyns and Primary Care Physicians Partner in Caring for Patients after a Hypertensive Pregnancy? View Abstract

The hypergonadotropic hypogonadism conundrum of classic galactosemia. View Abstract

Overcoming roadblocks in clinical innovation via high fidelity simulation: use of a phantom simulator to achieve FDA and IRB approval of a clinical trial of fetal embolization of vein of Galen malformations. View Abstract

Prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy-What do we tell the prospective parents? View Abstract

Technically successful fetal aortic valvuloplasty acutely improves left heart output. View Abstract

Hemodynamic and anatomic changes after fetal aortic valvuloplasty are associated with procedural success and postnatal biventricular circulation. View Abstract

Percutaneous transuterine fetal cerebral embolisation to treat vein of Galen malformations at risk of urgent neonatal decompensation: study protocol for a clinical trial of safety and feasibility. View Abstract

ISPD 2021 debate - All in vitro fertilization cycles should involve pre-implantation genetic testing to improve fetal health and pregnancy outcomes. View Abstract

International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis Updated Position Statement on the use of genome-wide sequencing for prenatal diagnosis. View Abstract

Counseling for personal health implications identified during reproductive genetic carrier screening. View Abstract

Problems with Using Polygenic Scores to Select Embryos. View Abstract

Utility of noninvasive genome-wide screening: a prospective cohort of obstetric patients undergoing diagnostic testing. View Abstract

Late gestation predictors of a postnatal biventricular circulation after fetal aortic valvuloplasty. View Abstract

General practitioners' knowledge about pregnancy complications associated with long-term cardiovascular risk. View Abstract

Opportunities and challenges for international societies in the COVID-19 era. View Abstract

Effect of In Utero Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Therapy for Severe Ebstein Anomaly or Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (NSAID Therapy for Fetal Ebstein anomaly). View Abstract

International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis Position Statement: cell free (cf)DNA screening for Down syndrome in multiple pregnancies. View Abstract

Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for Fetal Care: A Review. View Abstract

Special issue on "Feto-Maternal Genomic Medicine": a decade of incredible advances. View Abstract

Genetic innovations and our understanding of stillbirth. View Abstract

Fetal Aortic Valvuloplasty for Evolving Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Decision Analysis. View Abstract

Fetal cardiac intervention-Perspectives from a single center. View Abstract

Caring for Women After Hypertensive Pregnancies and Beyond: Implementation and Integration of a Postpartum Transition Clinic. View Abstract

Fetal phenotypes emerge as genetic technologies become robust. View Abstract

Fetal cardiac abnormalities: Genetic etiologies to be considered. View Abstract

Randomized Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Recent Preeclampsia. View Abstract

Prenatal Genetic Testing Options. View Abstract

Improved technical success, postnatal outcome and refined predictors of outcome for fetal aortic valvuloplasty. View Abstract

Biological explanations for discordant noninvasive prenatal test results: Preliminary data and lessons learned. View Abstract

Have we done our last amniocentesis? Updates on cell-free DNA for Down syndrome screening. View Abstract

Early hemodynamic changes after fetal aortic stenosis valvuloplasty predict biventricular circulation at birth. View Abstract

When ultrasound anomalies are present: An estimation of the frequency of chromosome abnormalities not detected by cell-free DNA aneuploidy screens. View Abstract

Myocardial injury in fetal aortic stenosis: Insights from amniotic fluid analysis. View Abstract

Should embryos with autosomal monosomy by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy be transferred?: Implications for embryo selection from a systematic literature review of autosomal monosomy survivors. View Abstract

Communicating risk with aneuploidy screening: things are never as simple as they appear to be. View Abstract

The influence of noninvasive prenatal testing on gestational age at time of abortion for aneuploidy. View Abstract

Antepartum management and obstetric outcomes among pregnancies with Down syndrome from diagnosis to delivery. View Abstract

Sex chromosome aneuploidy detection by noninvasive prenatal testing: helpful or hazardous? View Abstract

Confined placental mosaicism for 22q11.2 deletion as the etiology for discordant positive NIPT results. View Abstract

Sonographic Pulmonary Abnormalities in Fetuses With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Intact Atrial Septum Undergoing Attempted Atrial Septostomy In Utero. View Abstract

Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Children after Fetal Cardiac Intervention for Aortic Stenosis with Evolving Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. View Abstract

Structural Chromosomal Rearrangements Require Nucleotide-Level Resolution: Lessons from Next-Generation Sequencing in Prenatal Diagnosis. View Abstract

Patient choice and clinical outcomes following positive noninvasive prenatal screening for aneuploidy with cell-free DNA (cfDNA). View Abstract

In Reply. View Abstract

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling: current trends and outcomes. View Abstract

What is the role of the 11- to 14-week ultrasound in women with negative cell-free DNA screening for aneuploidy? View Abstract

A Multi-State Analysis of Early-Term Delivery Trends and the Association With Term Stillbirth. View Abstract

Obstetrician and gynecologists' population-based screening practices. View Abstract

International Fetal Cardiac Intervention Registry: A Worldwide Collaborative Description and Preliminary Outcomes. View Abstract

Noninvasive Prenatal Testing and Incidental Detection of Occult Maternal Malignancies. View Abstract

The effect of mode of conception on obstetrical outcomes differs by body mass index. View Abstract

Recognition by Women's Health Care Providers of Long-Term Cardiovascular Disease Risk After Preeclampsia. View Abstract

The North American Fetal Therapy Network Consensus Statement: prenatal management of uncomplicated monochorionic gestations. View Abstract

Angiogenic markers in pregnancies conceived through in vitro fertilization. View Abstract

Recurrent enlarged nuchal translucency: first trimester presentation of a familial 15q26?qter deletion. View Abstract

Comparison of genome-wide and gene-specific DNA methylation between ART and naturally conceived pregnancies. View Abstract

Current controversies in prenatal diagnosis 4: pre-conception expanded carrier screening should replace all current prenatal screening for specific single gene disorders. View Abstract

The North American Fetal Therapy Network consensus statement: prenatal surveillance of uncomplicated monochorionic gestations. View Abstract

Detection of triploid, molar, and vanishing twin pregnancies by a single-nucleotide polymorphism-based noninvasive prenatal test. View Abstract

Fetal aortic valvuloplasty for evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome: postnatal outcomes of the first 100 patients. View Abstract

Consensus expert recommendations for the diagnosis and management of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: report of an international conference. View Abstract

Percutaneous fetal cardiac interventions for structural heart disease. View Abstract

Does the addition of a specialized postpartum clinic improve the care of women with preeclampsia? View Abstract

Technical challenges of atrial septal stent placement in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and intact atrial septum. View Abstract

The association of body mass index with serum angiogenic markers in normal and abnormal pregnancies. View Abstract

Management of a Woman With Maple Syrup Urine Disease During Pregnancy, Delivery, and Lactation. View Abstract

Eliminating first trimester markers: will replacing PAPP-A and ßhCG miss women at risk for small for gestational age? View Abstract

The effect of obstetric practice change to reduce early term delivery on perinatal outcome. View Abstract

Obstetricians and gynecologists' practice and opinions of expanded carrier testing and noninvasive prenatal testing. View Abstract

Review: cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal circulation as an indication of placental health and disease. View Abstract

Absent fetal nasal bone: what does it mean for the euploid fetus? View Abstract

Integration of noninvasive DNA testing for aneuploidy into prenatal care: what has happened since the rubber met the road? View Abstract

Maternal plasma DNA testing for aneuploidy in pregnancies achieved by assisted reproductive technologies. View Abstract

Hyperreactio luteinalis (enlarged ovaries) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy: common clinical associations. View Abstract

First trimester PAPP-A levels correlate with sFlt-1 levels longitudinally in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia. View Abstract

Clinical diagnosis by whole-genome sequencing of a prenatal sample. View Abstract

Does the ex utero intrapartum treatment to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation procedure change outcomes for high-risk patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia? View Abstract

Self-reported alcohol and drug use in pregnant young women: a pilot study of associated factors and identification. View Abstract

Postnatal left ventricular diastolic function after fetal aortic valvuloplasty. View Abstract

2010 Report from the ISPD Special Interest Group fetal therapy: fetal cardiac interventions. View Abstract

Aortic stenosis and severe mitral regurgitation in the fetus resulting in giant left atrium and hydrops: pathophysiology, outcomes, and preliminary experience with pre-natal cardiac intervention. View Abstract

Monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations discordant for markedly enlarged nuchal translucency. View Abstract

Assessment of left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis in fetuses with aortic stenosis and evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome. View Abstract

Contemporary management of monochorionic diamniotic twins: outcomes and delivery recommendations revisited. View Abstract

Cerebral blood flow characteristics and biometry in fetuses undergoing prenatal intervention for aortic stenosis with evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome. View Abstract

Reversible ductus arteriosus constriction due to maternal indomethacin after fetal intervention for hypoplastic left heart syndrome with intact/restrictive atrial septum. View Abstract

Use of array comparative genomic hybridization for prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with sonographic anomalies and normal metaphase karyotype. View Abstract

Optical properties of human amniotic fluid: implications for videofetoscopic surgery. View Abstract

Predictors of technical success and postnatal biventricular outcome after in utero aortic valvuloplasty for aortic stenosis with evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome. View Abstract

In utero valvuloplasty for pulmonary atresia with hypoplastic right ventricle: techniques and outcomes. View Abstract

Outcome of fetuses with a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of isolated omphalocele. View Abstract

Epigenetics and assisted reproduction. View Abstract

Cardiac anomalies in the fetus. View Abstract

Isolated fetal omphalocele, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and assisted reproductive technologies. View Abstract

Results of in utero atrial septoplasty in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. View Abstract

Assisted reproductive technology, congenital malformations, and epigenetic disease. View Abstract

Changes in left heart hemodynamics after technically successful in-utero aortic valvuloplasty. View Abstract

Pathophysiology, management, and outcomes of fetal hemodynamic instability during prenatal cardiac intervention. View Abstract

Workshop report: evaluation of genetic and epigenetic risks associated with assisted reproductive technologies and infertility. View Abstract

Ex utero intrapartum treatment with placement on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for fetal thoracic masses. View Abstract

Ex utero intrapartum treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia. View Abstract

Estimates of prenatal abstinence from alcohol: a matter of perspective. View Abstract

Stages of change and prenatal alcohol use. View Abstract

Brief intervention for prenatal alcohol use: the role of drinking goal selection. View Abstract

Factors affecting technical success of fetal aortic valve dilation. View Abstract

Identifying risk drinking in expectant fathers. View Abstract

Confined placental mosaicism as a risk factor among newborns with fetal growth restriction. View Abstract

Alcohol use by pregnant women: partners, knowledge, and other predictors. View Abstract

Fetal fatty acid oxidation defects and maternal liver disease in pregnancy. View Abstract

Social support and prenatal alcohol use. View Abstract

Risk during pregnancy--self-report versus medical record. View Abstract

In-utero intervention for hypoplastic left heart syndrome--a perinatologist's perspective. View Abstract

Aortic valvuloplasty in the fetus: technical characteristics of successful balloon dilation. View Abstract

Brief intervention for prenatal alcohol use: a randomized trial. View Abstract

Fetal surgery in otolaryngology: a new era in the diagnosis and management of fetal airway obstruction because of advances in prenatal imaging. View Abstract

Balloon dilation of severe aortic stenosis in the fetus: potential for prevention of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: candidate selection, technique, and results of successful intervention. View Abstract

Expectant management in spontaneous preterm premature rupture of membranes between 14 and 24 weeks' gestation. View Abstract

Creation of an atrial septal defect in utero for fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and intact or highly restrictive atrial septum. View Abstract

Fetuses subsequently born premature are smaller than gestational age-matched fetuses not born premature. View Abstract

GPC3 mutation analysis in a spectrum of patients with overgrowth expands the phenotype of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome. View Abstract

Clinical picture: Multicolour karyotyping. View Abstract

Chemotherapy for a patient with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer during pregnancy: a case report and a review of chemotherapy treatment during pregnancy. View Abstract

Obstetrician-gynecologists' opinions and attitudes on the role of genetics in women's health. View Abstract

Separation of conjoined twins with the twin reversed-arterial-perfusion sequence after prenatal planning with three-dimensional modeling. View Abstract

A brief intervention for prenatal alcohol use: an in-depth look. View Abstract

Gynecologists' training, knowledge, and experiences in genetics: a survey. View Abstract

Brief intervention for alcohol use in pregnancy: a randomized trial. View Abstract

Prenatal alcohol consumption. Self versus collateral report. View Abstract

Considerations for delivery of infants with congenital abnormalities. View Abstract

The TWEAK: application in a prenatal setting. View Abstract

Genetics in obstetricians' offices: a survey study. View Abstract

Identifying prenatal alcohol use: screening instruments versus clinical predictors. View Abstract

Unexplained elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein: what is the appropriate follow-up? View Abstract

Alcohol use and pregnancy: improving identification. View Abstract

Pregnant women with negative alcohol screens do drink less. A prospective study. View Abstract

Cost-effectiveness of strategies used in the evaluation of pregnancies complicated by elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. View Abstract

Oligospermic men: the role of karyotype analysis prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection. View Abstract

The association of early-onset fetal growth restriction, elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, and the development of severe pre-eclampsia. View Abstract

Teratogen update: toluene. View Abstract

Successful thoracoamniotic shunting and review of the literature in unilateral pleural effusion with hydrops. View Abstract

Antepartum screening in the office-based practice: findings from the collaborative Ambulatory Research Network. View Abstract

Fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of aneuploidy from archived fetal cells. View Abstract

Sonographic appearance of placental villous hydrops associated with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. View Abstract

Confined placental mosaicism and intrauterine growth retardation: a case-control analysis of placentas at delivery. View Abstract

Toluene embryopathy: clinical delineation and developmental follow-up. View Abstract

Origin of extraembryonic mesoderm in experimental animals: relevance to chorionic mosaicism in humans. View Abstract

The emerging genetic theories of unstable DNA, uniparental disomy, and imprinting. View Abstract

Progression of exencephaly to anencephaly in the human fetus--an ultrasound perspective. View Abstract

Toluene abuse during pregnancy: obstetric complications and perinatal outcomes. View Abstract

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