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Barbara O'Brien | Medical Services

Programs & Services

Languages

  • English

Barbara O'Brien | Education

Medical School

New York Medical College

Valhalla, NY

Internship

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Tufts Medical Center

Boston, MA

Residency

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Tufts Medical Center

Boston, MA

Fellowship

Maternal-Fetal Medicine/Medical Genomics

Tufts Medical Center

Boston, MA

Barbara O'Brien | Professional History

Dr. O’Brien is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). She is triple-board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, as well as Medical Genetics and Genomics, and is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. She completed her residency and fellowship trainings at Tufts Medical Center. Her clinical interests include medical complications of pregnancy, non-invasive prenatal genetic testing and prenatal diagnosis. She also serves as the Program Director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship and the newly combined Maternal-Fetal Medicine/Genetics and Genomics Fellowship at BIDMC and Boston Children’s Hospital. In addition to her faculty position at BIDMC, she works in collaboration with the Fetal Care and Surgery Center at Boston Children's Hospital to provide consultations to patients with complex fetal conditions.

Barbara O'Brien | Publications

  1. Caudal regression in fetus with de novo SMARCA2 pathogenic variant. Prenat Diagn. 2024 08; 44(9):1111-1114. View Caudal regression in fetus with de novo SMARCA2 pathogenic variant. Abstract

  2. Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis: Time for a Paradigm Shift. Am J Perinatol. 2025 Mar; 42(4):538-545. View Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis: Time for a Paradigm Shift. Abstract

  3. RASopathies are the most common set of monogenic syndromes identified by exome sequencing for nonimmune hydrops fetalis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med Genet A. 2024 05; 194(5):e63494. View RASopathies are the most common set of monogenic syndromes identified by exome sequencing for nonimmune hydrops fetalis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Abstract

  4. Cochrane update: news and reviews from the Cochrane US Network. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2024 02; 6(2):101255. View Cochrane update: news and reviews from the Cochrane US Network. Abstract

  5. Clinician communication after discovery of a soft marker of aneuploidy during pregnancy: A mixed methods assessment of a communication workshop. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2023 Nov; 52(9):102652. View Clinician communication after discovery of a soft marker of aneuploidy during pregnancy: A mixed methods assessment of a communication workshop. Abstract

  6. Low fetal fraction of cell-free DNA predicts placental dysfunction and hypertensive disease in pregnancy. Pregnancy Hypertens. 2019 Apr; 16:148-153. View Low fetal fraction of cell-free DNA predicts placental dysfunction and hypertensive disease in pregnancy. Abstract

  7. Risk of ischemic placental disease in fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles. Fertil Steril. 2019 04; 111(4):714-721. View Risk of ischemic placental disease in fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles. Abstract

  8. What education, background, and credentials are required to provide genetic counseling? Semin Perinatol. 2018 08; 42(5):290-295. View What education, background, and credentials are required to provide genetic counseling? Abstract

  9. Peripartum management of HLA alloimmune platelet refractoriness. Transfusion. 2018 07; 58(7):1583-1587. View Peripartum management of HLA alloimmune platelet refractoriness. Abstract

  10. Cell-Free DNA: Screening for Single-Gene Disorders and Determination of Fetal Rhesus D Genotype. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2018 Mar; 45(1):27-39. View Cell-Free DNA: Screening for Single-Gene Disorders and Determination of Fetal Rhesus D Genotype. Abstract

  11. Relaxin-2 connecting peptide (pro-RLX2) levels in second trimester serum samples to predict preeclampsia. Pregnancy Hypertens. 2018 Jan; 11:124-128. View Relaxin-2 connecting peptide (pro-RLX2) levels in second trimester serum samples to predict preeclampsia. Abstract

  12. Separate transcriptionally regulated pathways specify distinct classes of sister dendrites in a nociceptive neuron. Dev Biol. 2017 12 15; 432(2):248-257. View Separate transcriptionally regulated pathways specify distinct classes of sister dendrites in a nociceptive neuron. Abstract

  13. How Should Clinicians Counsel a Woman with a Strong Family History of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease about Her Pregnancy? AMA J Ethics. 2017 Jul 01; 19(7):663-674. View How Should Clinicians Counsel a Woman with a Strong Family History of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease about Her Pregnancy? Abstract

  14. Nuchal translucency measurement in the era of prenatal screening for aneuploidy using cell free (cf)DNA. Prenat Diagn. 2017 03; 37(3):303-305. View Nuchal translucency measurement in the era of prenatal screening for aneuploidy using cell free (cf)DNA. Abstract

  15. The clinical utility of DNA-based screening for fetal aneuploidy by primary obstetrical care providers in the general pregnancy population. Genet Med. 2017 07; 19(7):778-786. View The clinical utility of DNA-based screening for fetal aneuploidy by primary obstetrical care providers in the general pregnancy population. Abstract

  16. Neurodevelopment: Three's a Crowd, Four Is a Receptor Complex. Curr Biol. 2016 09 12; 26(17):R799-801. View Neurodevelopment: Three's a Crowd, Four Is a Receptor Complex. Abstract

  17. The North American Fetal Therapy Network Consensus Statement: prenatal management of uncomplicated monochorionic gestations. Obstet Gynecol. 2015 May; 125(5):1236-1243. View The North American Fetal Therapy Network Consensus Statement: prenatal management of uncomplicated monochorionic gestations. Abstract

  18. Managing Multi-Center Recruitment in the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial. Rev Recent Clin Trials. 2015; 10(3):187-93. View Managing Multi-Center Recruitment in the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial. Abstract

  19. Comprehensive Quality Management (CQM) in the PLCO Trial. Rev Recent Clin Trials. 2015; 10(3):223-32. View Comprehensive Quality Management (CQM) in the PLCO Trial. Abstract

  20. The North American Fetal Therapy Network consensus statement: prenatal surveillance of uncomplicated monochorionic gestations. Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Jan; 125(1):118-123. View The North American Fetal Therapy Network consensus statement: prenatal surveillance of uncomplicated monochorionic gestations. Abstract

  21. Iatrogenic Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes after Fetoscopic Laser Ablative Surgery. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2015; 38(1):29-34. View Iatrogenic Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes after Fetoscopic Laser Ablative Surgery. Abstract

  22. Evaluation of patient education materials: the example of circulating cell free DNA testing for aneuploidy. J Genet Couns. 2015 Apr; 24(2):259-66. View Evaluation of patient education materials: the example of circulating cell free DNA testing for aneuploidy. Abstract

  23. Maternal plasma DNA testing: experience of women counseled at a prenatal diagnosis center. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers. 2014 Oct; 18(10):665-9. View Maternal plasma DNA testing: experience of women counseled at a prenatal diagnosis center. Abstract

  24. In reply. Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Aug; 124(2 Pt 1):379-380. View In reply. Abstract

  25. Fetal craniopharyngioma: management, postmortem diagnosis, and literature review of an intracranial tumor detected in utero. Pediatr Dev Pathol. 2014 Sep-Oct; 17(5):409-12. View Fetal craniopharyngioma: management, postmortem diagnosis, and literature review of an intracranial tumor detected in utero. Abstract

  26. Maternal and fetal safety of fluid-restrictive general anesthesia for endoscopic fetal surgery in monochorionic twin gestations. J Clin Anesth. 2014 May; 26(3):184-90. View Maternal and fetal safety of fluid-restrictive general anesthesia for endoscopic fetal surgery in monochorionic twin gestations. Abstract

  27. Noninvasive prenatal testing for microdeletion syndromes and expanded trisomies: proceed with caution. Obstet Gynecol. 2014 May; 123(5):1097-1099. View Noninvasive prenatal testing for microdeletion syndromes and expanded trisomies: proceed with caution. Abstract

  28. Monochorionic twins discordant for mosaic trisomy 14. Am J Med Genet A. 2014 May; 164A(5):1227-33. View Monochorionic twins discordant for mosaic trisomy 14. Abstract

  29. Maternal plasma DNA testing for aneuploidy in pregnancies achieved by assisted reproductive technologies. Genet Med. 2014 May; 16(5):419-22. View Maternal plasma DNA testing for aneuploidy in pregnancies achieved by assisted reproductive technologies. Abstract

  30. Karyotype versus microarray testing for genetic abnormalities after stillbirth. N Engl J Med. 2012 Dec 06; 367(23):2185-93. View Karyotype versus microarray testing for genetic abnormalities after stillbirth. Abstract

  31. Midwifery and obstetrics: twenty years of collaborative academic practice. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012 Sep; 39(3):335-46. View Midwifery and obstetrics: twenty years of collaborative academic practice. Abstract

  32. Colorectal-cancer incidence and mortality with screening flexible sigmoidoscopy. N Engl J Med. 2012 Jun 21; 366(25):2345-57. View Colorectal-cancer incidence and mortality with screening flexible sigmoidoscopy. Abstract

  33. Long-term morbidity after fetal endoscopic surgery for severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. J Pediatr Surg. 2012 Jan; 47(1):51-6. View Long-term morbidity after fetal endoscopic surgery for severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Abstract

  34. Laser ablation of placental vessels in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a paradigm for endoscopic fetal surgery. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2011 Nov; 21(9):869-72. View Laser ablation of placental vessels in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a paradigm for endoscopic fetal surgery. Abstract

  35. Linking topography to tonotopy in the mouse auditory thalamocortical circuit. J Neurosci. 2011 Feb 23; 31(8):2983-95. View Linking topography to tonotopy in the mouse auditory thalamocortical circuit. Abstract

  36. Bombay blood type and use of red cell apheresis during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Feb; 117(2 Pt 2):463-465. View Bombay blood type and use of red cell apheresis during pregnancy. Abstract

  37. Improving foodborne illness prevention among transplant recipients. Health Promot Pract. 2011 Mar; 12(2):235-43. View Improving foodborne illness prevention among transplant recipients. Abstract

  38. Influence of experience, case load, and stage distribution on outcome of endoscopic laser surgery for TTTS--a review. Prenat Diagn. 2010 Apr; 30(4):314-9. View Influence of experience, case load, and stage distribution on outcome of endoscopic laser surgery for TTTS--a review. Abstract

  39. Feto-fetal transfusion syndrome in monochorionic quadruplets. Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Feb; 115(2 Pt 2):470-472. View Feto-fetal transfusion syndrome in monochorionic quadruplets. Abstract

  40. Reflectance spectrometry for real-time hemoglobin determination of placental vessels during endoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. J Pediatr Surg. 2010 Jan; 45(1):59-64. View Reflectance spectrometry for real-time hemoglobin determination of placental vessels during endoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Abstract

  41. The pediatric surgeons' contribution to in utero treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Ann Surg. 2009 Sep; 250(3):456-62. View The pediatric surgeons' contribution to in utero treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Abstract

  42. Prenatal features of Costello syndrome: ultrasonographic findings and atrial tachycardia. Prenat Diagn. 2009 Jul; 29(7):682-90. View Prenatal features of Costello syndrome: ultrasonographic findings and atrial tachycardia. Abstract

  43. MFM/geneticist view on prenatal management of twins. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2009 May 15; 151C(2):155-61. View MFM/geneticist view on prenatal management of twins. Abstract

  44. Mortality results from a randomized prostate-cancer screening trial. N Engl J Med. 2009 Mar 26; 360(13):1310-9. View Mortality results from a randomized prostate-cancer screening trial. Abstract

  45. Uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009; 2(3):159-68. View Uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology. Abstract

  46. Power and interpretation of a randomized study on the treatment of severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008 May; 198(5):607; author reply 607-8. View Power and interpretation of a randomized study on the treatment of severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Abstract

  47. Sampling the sample. Nurse Educ. 2008 Mar-Apr; 33(2):51-2. View Sampling the sample. Abstract

  48. Cell-free fetal DNA in amniotic fluid: unique fragmentation signatures in euploid and aneuploid fetuses. Clin Chem. 2007 Mar; 53(3):405-11. View Cell-free fetal DNA in amniotic fluid: unique fragmentation signatures in euploid and aneuploid fetuses. Abstract

  49. Postpartum haemorrhage: prevention. Clin Evid. 2006 Jun; (15):1932-50. View Postpartum haemorrhage: prevention. Abstract

  50. Fetal therapy for single gene disorders. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Dec; 48(4):885-96. View Fetal therapy for single gene disorders. Abstract

  51. Survival factors in replantation and revascularization of the amputated thumb--10 years experience. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg. 1984; 18(2):163-73. View Survival factors in replantation and revascularization of the amputated thumb--10 years experience. Abstract

  52. Replantation and revascularization of digits. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1980 Oct; 151(4):508-12. View Replantation and revascularization of digits. Abstract

  53. Results of the use of autotransplantation of the intraabdominal testis using microsurgical vascular anastomosis. J Pediatr Surg. 1980 Feb; 15(1):92-6. View Results of the use of autotransplantation of the intraabdominal testis using microsurgical vascular anastomosis. Abstract

  54. An experimental study of microvascular patency using a continuous suture technique. Br J Plast Surg. 1979 Jul; 32(3):153-4. View An experimental study of microvascular patency using a continuous suture technique. Abstract

  55. The cross toe flap. Br J Plast Surg. 1979 Jul; 32(3):213-6. View The cross toe flap. Abstract

  56. Coexisting familial abnormalities of karyotype and phenotype. Chromosome 16 and an unusual form of cutis laxa with skin webs. Med J Aust. 1970 Aug 01; 2(5):235-8. View Coexisting familial abnormalities of karyotype and phenotype. Chromosome 16 and an unusual form of cutis laxa with skin webs. Abstract

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