Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fetal heart rate monitoring and ultrasound are the primary methods our physicians use to get an accurate measure of how well a pregnancy is proceeding for mother and child. Is the fetus receiving sufficient oxygen via the placenta? Are its anatomy and organs developing properly? Fetal heart rate monitoring provides invaluable screening for any evidence of fetal compromise, while ultrasound gives us the ability to evaluate and assess a fetus' development, estimate its weight and growth, and determine if there are signs of any abnormalities.

The following tests are among the most common we perform in the Antepartum Testing Unit:

The Biophysical Profile (BPP) is a test that measures the health of the fetus during pregnancy. A BPP test may include a nonstress test with electronic fetal heart monitoring and a fetal ultrasound. The BPP measures the fetus' heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid. This test is commonly done in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Non-Stress Test (NST) is a simple, non-invasive test that measures the response of the baby's heart rate to each movement the baby makes. The test is named "non-stress" because no stress is placed on the fetus during the test. The test involves attaching one belt to the mother's abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and "reactivity" of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes.

Doppler Ultrasound is a noninvasive method to assess and measure the fetus' blood flow using ultrasound technology.

The Obstetrics and Gynecology division brings together a highly trained and specialized team of physicians, nurses and clinicians to provide the most comprehensive healthcare services for every stage in a woman's life—from adolescence through child-bearing to menopause and the post-menopausal years. With an eye toward the emotional well-being of our patients, our practitioners create a warm, supportive and comforting environment for women. We also encourage our patients to be informed about their healthcare needs and to participate in their own care and treatment.

Our services offered include, but not limited to:

• Well-woman care, with health maintenance exams, including cancer screening
• Comprehensive family planning
• Complete obstetrical care
• Evaluation and management of abnormal PAP smears/HPV infections
• Diagnosis and treatment of menstrual disorders, including abnormal bleeding, amenorrhea and polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Minimally invasive surgeries including laparoscopic and robotic surgeries
• Surgical and non-surgical management of uterine fibroids
• Individualized management during menopause, using both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options

While our focus in the division is principally on general obstetrics and gynecology, we are concerned with the overall healthcare needs of our patients. We work closely with specialists throughout the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College to coordinate care, as necessary.

The gynecologic oncologists at Weill Cornell Medical College are specialists trained to diagnose and treat different types of cancer of the reproductive organs. The dedicated focus of their practice, backed by years of specialty training, is just one reason why women under the care of gynecologic oncologists achieve better outcomes. Another reason for higher rates of success by gynecologic oncologists is the remarkable range of skills they possess and the breadth of their specialized skills – from prevention regimens and advanced diagnostic capability to surgical skills for the removal of tumors, and even the administering chemotherapy and radiation therapy for many forms of cancer, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Endometrial and other uterine cancers
• Ovarian cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Cancer of the vulva

Our gynecologic oncologists also play a significant role in coordinating multidisciplinary team treatment options that include the following:

• Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery
• Advanced reconstructive and complex pelvic surgery
• Intra-operative radiation therapy
• Robotic surgery
• Radiation therapy
• State-of-the-art chemotherapy

We know how important it is that a patient be seen by a qualified specialist as soon as possible. Our aim is to get you into the office without delay, so we can review your case, establish the best treatment plan -- and put it into action.

The Obstetrics and Gynecology division brings together a highly trained and specialized team of physicians, nurses and clinicians to provide the most comprehensive healthcare services for every stage in a woman's life; from adolescence through child-bearing to menopause and the post-menopausal years. With an eye toward the emotional well-being of our patients, our practitioners create a warm, supportive and comforting environment for women. We also encourage our patients to be informed about their healthcare needs and to participate in their own care and treatment. Our services offered include, but not limited to: I. Well-woman care, with health maintenance exams, including cancer screening II. Comprehensive family planning III. Complete obstetrical care IV. Evaluation and management of abnormal PAP smears/HPV infections V. Diagnosis and treatment of menstrual disorders, including abnormal bleeding, amenorrhea and polycystic ovarian syndrome VI. Minimally invasive surgeries including laparoscopic and robotic surgeries VII. Surgical and non-surgical management of uterine fibroids VIII. Individualized management during menopause, using both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options While our focus in the division is principally on general obstetrics and gynecology, we are concerned with the overall healthcare needs of our patients. We work closely with specialists throughout the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center of to coordinate care, as necessary.

The division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) at Weill Cornell Medical College enjoys international acclaim for the quality of comprehensive and innovative care our specialists provide for women and their fetuses during high risk pregnancies. The physicians within our division are all board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and have subspecialty board certification in MFM. These doctors are academic leaders who bring to every patient the benefits of the most advanced knowledge of the obstetrical, medical, genetic and surgical complications of pregnancy and their impact on both mother and fetus.

Most women seek consultation or care from an MFM specialist because they are either considering becoming pregnant and may be at risk; or because they are already pregnant and have a medical history or condition and they require the expertise of specialists with experience in managing complicated pregnancies with the best possible outcomes.

Medical complications of pregnancy addressed by Weill Cornell's MFM specialists include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Preeclampsia (toxemia)
• Diabetes or other endocrine disorders
• Kidney or gastrointestinal disease
• Infectious diseases
• Lupus in Pregnancy

MFM physicians also provide special care for otherwise healthy women, whose pregnancies are at increased risk due to other conditions, including:

• Abnormal AFP (alpha fetoprotein) blood test
• Expected twins, triplets or more
• Recurrent pre-term labor and delivery
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Suspected fetal growth restriction (baby not growing enough)

Delivering outstanding medical care with compassion and concern for each patient is part of Weill Cornell's over 100-year tradition of excellence in academic medicine. If you or your unborn child has been diagnosed with a high-risk condition, consider a consultation with one of our MFM specialists who can provide the highest level of assessment and care throughout your pregnancy. We also work closely with the physicians in the Perinatal Center to help coordinate every aspect of care for you and your pregnancy.

About Making an Appointment

When you call to make an appointment with an MFM Specialist (please click here for contact numbers), we would like to prepare you that the secretary will ask you the screening questions below. The answers you provide will be given to the MFM Specialist for review and the secretary will call you back to schedule an appointment within 48 hours.

Name:
Date of Birth:
Age:
Phone Number:
Last Menstrual Period:
Expected Due Date:
Number of Gestational Weeks:
Pharmacy Information:
Insurance:
Conception type:
If applicable, date of Embryo Transfer:
Was it a day 3 or day 5 transfer:
How many prior pregnancies:
Prior delivery mode:
Any problems with previous pregnancy:
Medical or other issues:
Taking any current medications other than prenatal vitamins:
Referred by:

Once your appointment is scheduled, please fill out the New Patient Intake Form (click here) and bring it to your first visit with your physician.

Perhaps no other technology in recent times has been as effective in successfully monitoring pregnancies as Ultrasonography. The faculty of the Ultrasound Services Unit at Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been leaders in fetal evaluation and prenatal diagnosis since the unit's inception in 1989; using the most advanced ultrasound machines—some with 3D capabilities. All members of the unit have been at the forefront in advocating that all pregnant women have access to quality ultrasound during pregnancy. The unit's sonographers and Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians are highly skilled in evaluating fetal development, and identifying a wide variety of abnormalities. They perform detailed evaluation of fetal anatomy in the second trimester, and can identify or exclude many types of birth defects. First-trimester ultrasound, commonly performed to evaluate the risk of genetic abnormalities, has allowed for the early detection of some major abnormalities before the second trimester.

If physicians suspect or diagnose fetal or maternal complications, they will work with you and your obstetrician to provide you with access to and coordinate care with some of the world’s finest specialists. Together, we will develop the very best treatment options for you and your baby. Detecting early evidence of complications and establishing an effective course of action helps everyone achieve the goal of healthy mothers delivering healthy babies.

All women having ultrasound at the Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Services Unit have the opportunity to consult with one of the Weill Cornell Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists to discuss any ultrasound findings. If complications are suspected, Weill Cornell physicians will work with patients and their obstetricians in formulating the best plan.

The range of fetal ultrasonography services includes:

• Screening
• First and second trimester Down syndrome screening
• Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy screening
• Multiple pregnancy screening
• Fetal anomaly screening

• Assessment and Evaluation
• First trimester evaluation
• Second and third trimester anatomical assessment
• 3-D ultrasound evaluation

• Prenatal diagnosis
• Testing and monitoring
• Biophysical profile and Doppler velocimetry/non-stress testing
• Fetal echocardiography

• Diagnostic Procedures
• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic villi sampling (CVS)
• Cordocentesis/Fetal blood sampling

Gynecologic Ultrasounds

In addition, we also perform screening, diagnostic, and interventional ultrasound for general gynecology, oncology, and reproductive endocrinology patients.

Gynecological ultrasound services include, but not limited to:

• Pelvic evaluation
• Evaluation of ovarian masses
• Screening and detection of ovarian and endometrial cancer

What is Urogynecology?

Urogynecology is a subspecialty within urology and gynecology that focuses on disorders of the female pelvic floor.

Urogynecologists are specifically trained to treat pelvic floor disorders, including urinary or fecal incontinence, constipation or pelvic organ prolapse (displacement of the uterus and/or vagina).

Prolapse and incontinence frequently occur together and both conditions may result from damage to the pelvic floor after the delivery of a baby. Other factors may include heavy lifting, chronic coughing, severe constipation and obesity. 

Our New York City-based specialists provide a comprehensive urogynecology program that addresses the full range of pelvic floor disorders. Our nationally recognized medical experts perform comprehensive diagnostic services in order to identify an optimal treatment tailored to a woman’s individual condition, including a broad range of non-surgical and surgical options.

As a large number of women can be affected by other conditions related to pelvic floor disorders or have other health factors , our team of physicians also work jointly with other specialists across Weill Cornell Medicine to build comprehensive treatment plans that treat each woman uniquely according to her needs.

We Treat:

• Cystocele / Rectocele / Enterocele
• Uterine Prolapse / Vaginal Prolapse
• Stress Incontinence
• Urge Incontinence
• Mixed Incontinence
• Overflow Incontinence
• Fecal Incontinence
• Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
• Genitourinary and Rectovaginal Fistula
• Urethral Diverticulum
• Vaginal Cysts
• Constipation
• Painful Bladder Conditions / Interstitial Cystitis
• Sexual Dysfunction

Learn more about the specialized services we offer through our gynecology and urology programs:
Urogynecology
Urogyn/Female Pelvic Health

Request an appointment with us:
Urology
Obstetrics & Gynecology

Patient Testimonials

Anonymous 
Talking about Saya Segal, MD, FACOG
“Dr Segal is friendly, competent, and compassionate. Highly recommend her!”
Sep 27, 2017
Source: Healthgrades 

E.S.
Talking about Richard K. Lee, MD
“I found a new level of care that surpassed that of my previous urologist.. Dr. Lee took a measured approach to my issues and delivered excellent care and treatment. Weill Cornell is a well oiled machine!”
Sep 1, 2017
Source: Healthgrades 

Ed
Talking about Bilal Chughtai, MD
"Absolutely one of the best physicians I have ever known, and I've known quite a few. Technically, one of the smartest by a wide margin. I would trust this doctor with my life, not just my prostate. Bedside manner is important in this specialty especially if one's never been to a urologist before. Dr. Chughtai could not be any better in this department. He puts the patient at ease, conveys a sense of caring but always at the highest most professional level possible which itself is reassuring. A++”
Aug 23, 2017
Source: Healthgrades 

Anonymous
Talking about Tanaka J. Dune, MD
Dr. Dune is the closest I've come to concierge medicine. She listened intently and has repeatedly gone above and beyond using her own knowledge, colleagues inside the hospital and resources outside the hospital to come to a diagnosis. She has no ego about working with other colleagues and has become my advocate when other drs had turned me away due a rare condition. She is patient, kind and makes sure her staff gets all of the paperwork you need to go through. She even calls you back herself!
Jul 19, 2017
Source: Healthgrades

Anonymous 
Talking about Patrick Culligan, MD
“I really can't recommend Dr. Culligan enough. Every aspect of this surgery, from pre surgery office visits to post-operative care, Dr. Culligan was always accessible. He listened carefully to everything I had to say, all questions I asked. He took time to respond and to explain exactly what was going on and how he would resolve it. He carefully and clearly explained options. His manner is polite, caring and confident. I am very grateful for having been referred to him.”
Mar 15, 2017
Source: Healthgrades

jtv
Talking about Tirsit S. Asfaw, MD, FACOG
“Dr. Asfaw is far more experienced than my general gynecologist with my health problems. She took the time to thoroughly explain my treatment options. Never did I feel rushed in her office. Both she and her staff were always patient, courteous and knowledgeable. Most importantly, Dr. Asfaw successfully operated on me last winter. Although my surgery was extensive, today I am repaired, healed and healthy. I recommend Dr. Asfaw to women suffering from prolapse issues and/or bladder conditions.”
Sep 15, 2016
Source: Healthgrades