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 Medicine 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 is 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

The Obstetric Cardiology Program is dedicated to making pregnancy safer for women with heart conditions.

Women with congenital or acquired cardiac disease require specialized care during pregnancy. At the Obstetric Cardiology Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, women receive care from a team of experts specializing in maternal fetal medicine, cardiology and anesthesiology.

This team helps care for women and their pregnancies that are complicated by heart conditions, including:

• Maternal congenital cardiac disease, such as Tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of the great vessels

• Maternal acquired cardiac disease, such as rheumatic heart disease and pulmonary hypertension

• Maternal arrhythmias in pregnancy

• Peripartum cardiomyopathy

• Cardiac disease secondary to other medical conditions, such as lupus, thalassemia major and diabetes

• Connective tissue disorders including Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome

The Obstetric Cardiology Program also offers preconception counseling to help patients with cardiac disease understand their options.

Expert Care from Preconception to Postpartum

We provide care for a wide range of patients from those thinking about starting a family to women who may have developed a problem during pregnancy – using a personalized, team-based approach.

Preconception counseling is available to women who are considering a future pregnancy. During the visit, our maternal fetal medicine experts will review your history, discuss the risks for a future pregnancy in detail and formulate a personalized care plan.

During pregnancy, patients are closely monitored by our team of cardiac, obstetric and anesthesia experts. Together, they will develop an individualized delivery plan tailored to each woman’s health needs and goals.

Following birth, the Obstetric Cardiology Program provides postpartum care and monitoring.

Patient-Centered Care

The Obstetric Cardiology Program will coordinate care with the patient’s other physicians, as needed. Additionally, the program enhances the quality of care across the continuum by referring patients within Weill Cornell Medicine’s extensive network. Our electronic medical record system provides integrated care for pediatric cardiologists, registered dieticians, social workers and other specialists.

Throughout the process, a patient coordinator:

• Schedules any required tests and appointments with each physician on their care team

• Assists with acquiring medical records

• Provides any additional support needed

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?

Weill Cornell Medicine provides comprehensive, individualized care from leaders in the field. We are one of the leading academic medical centers in the country, with nationally-ranked programs in cardiology as well as obstetrics and gynecology. Our anesthesiology division has received the designation as a Center of Excellence for obstetric anesthesia care.   

Our physicians are also scientists dedicated to developing innovative and superior ways to treat heart disease and help women. Best practices are implemented into practice to ensure patients receive care rooted in the latest scientific discoveries. When appropriate, patients may also have the option to participate in clinical trials, which provide access to cutting-edge therapies that may not be available elsewhere.

Contact us today at (212) 746-3266 to learn more about the Obstetric Cardiology Program or to schedule an appointment.

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

Q 
Talking about Saya Segal, MD, FACOG
Dr. Segal showed compassion from the first day we met. She assured me and made me feel better about my condition. I felt she was the best surgeon to perform my procedure.
Oct 03, 2018
Source: Google

Yevgeniya
Talking about Patrick Culligan, MD
The first time I went to Dr. Culligan was a year ago for issues with my bladder. After I followed his recommendations my problem was gone. Now I see him periodically for a checkup. He is extremely professional and knowledgeable and has a great personality. It was the right decision to see Dr. Culligan and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anybody who is looking for a doctor experienced in Urogynecology. His nurse assistant Irina Kats is also great. She is very helpful, professional and pleasant to communicate with, always returning my calls when I have questions. Excellent Doctor, great personnel, and always a pleasure to see them during an appointment. 
Sep 18, 2018
Source: Google

Yassmin
Talking about Tanaka J. Dune, MD
My experience being treated by Dr. Dune was unequivocally the best experience I've had with any doctor in my entire life. And that's saying a lot considering the list of doctors I've sought for treatment is pages long due to past history with Lyme Disease. I had been seeing another specialist who put me on antibiotics for years without any success or improvement in my symptoms. Finally, a friend referred me to Dr. Dune and I immediately felt I was in good hands. She is professional, enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable, makes you feel comfortable, and doesn't just try to temporarily put out fires by throwing pills at the problem. She genuinely wants to help with long-term solutions and what I especially appreciated about Dr. Dune is she really takes the time to educate and thoroughly explain the issue/treatment. She is a godsend and has dramatically improved my quality of life. After 14 years of experiencing symptoms, Dr. Dune successfully treated me. 
Aug 21, 2018
Source: Google

Anonymous
Talking about Richard K. Lee, MD
I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Lee and the Weill Cornell Urology facility. Dr. Lee is a wonderful physician.
Feb 14, 2018
Source: Healthgrades 

Melissa
Talking about Bilal Chughtai, MD
One of the best doctors around; spends a lot of time answering all of your questions, always returns a message to call back, excellent bedside manner, young but extremely knowledgeable with a holistic approach. He evens walks you out of the office to the administrative staff at the end of you’re visit, need I say more about Dr. Chugtai.
Jan 17, 2018
Source: Healthgrades 

Anonymous
Talking about Tirsit S. Asfaw, MD, FACOG
Dr. Asfaw is friendly, competent, and compassionate. Highly recommend her!
Sep 27, 2017
Source: Healthgrades