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Fireworks Mark Arrival of Multiples
Upon learning that they were expecting their first child, Marc Fogarty kidded with his wife,
"Wouldn’t it be neat if we had twins?" The couple never imagined that this light remark would be
their reality several months later.
Amy and Marc Fogarty of Hazlet
describe the moment that they
learned they were having twins as
"surreal." Amy had started her prenatal
care with her regular group of obstetricians,
which included Michael D. Karoly,
M.D. Once twins were confirmed, she
also began parallel care with physicians
at the Perinatal Institute (PNI) at Riverview
Medical Center
"Anytime a woman is pregnant with
multiples, there is automatically a higher
risk for complications," states Dr. Karoly, a
board certified obstetrician and gynecologist
at Riverview Medical Center. "Through
the medical center’s close relationship with
the Perinatal Institute, patients can conveniently see specialists right at Riverview for
advanced testing and monitoring."
An Abundance of Expertise
With services at all three Meridian Health
hospitals, the Perinatal Institute is a group
of specialized experts who provide 24-hour
care for complex pregnancies. The multidisciplinary
team consists of six physicians who
are board certified in obstetrics/gynecology
and maternal-fetal medicine. These "high-risk
obstetricians" offer consultation and advanced
diagnostic services, such as high-definition
ultrasounds and genetic screenings, that help
pinpoint and prepare for any complications.
Amy visited with a PNI specialist every
three weeks to monitor the babies’ growth and development. "After each ultrasound,
we consulted with the specialist right away,
and they provided feedback to Dr. Karoly as
well," recalls Amy.
A Spectacular Birthday Celebration
Amy had a cesarean section scheduled for
mid-July. But just as he had done at the
start of the pregnancy, her husband joked,
"Wouldn’t it be neat if we were at the hospital
for the fireworks?"
Then Amy’s third trimester visits to the
PNI showed that the twins were growing
at different rates, so Dr. Karoly decided to
deliver the babies early — on July 3. That
evening, the new parents were holding their
daughters, Elizabeth and Ashley, while viewing
the Red Bank fireworks from their waterfront
room at Riverview Medical Center.
Although Amy went home four days
later, the premature babies had to stay
at the hospital a few extra days so they
could gain weight and improve their ability
to eat. "It was hard to go home without
the girls, but we knew they were in good
hands at Riverview," says Amy.
Marc concludes that the next time he
makes a joke, it will be with the hopes of
winning the lottery!
 – Donna Sellmann
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Learn about the services available at
the Perinatal Institute by calling
732-776-4755.
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