Frequently Asked Questions

Over the course of your fetal medicine visits all of these questions should be addressed in some way. Please feel free to use the list below as a check list to ensure that all topics are covered. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of the fetal medicine team members if you have questions or concerns regarding any of the questions below.

Diagnosis

  • Do I understand the diagnosis and heart diagram?
  • Is there any uncertainty about this diagnosis?
  • How/why did this happen? Can anything be done now to help?
  • What prenatal follow-up can I expect?
  • When will I meet the heart surgeon? (If requested, a meeting or conference call with a heart surgeon can be arranged prior to your baby’s birth. Otherwise, you will meet the surgeon once surgical timing has been established.)

Delivery Plan

  • How and where will my baby be delivered?
  • Can I see/hold my baby after delivery?
  • How will my delivery be coordinated with Nationwide Children’s?
  • How will my baby be transported to Nationwide Children’s and when will this occur?

Time Between Delivery and Surgery

  • Where will my baby stay prior to surgery?
  • Will my baby be transported to a different facility or building and how will this occur?
  • What other testing will be done before surgery?
  • Will my baby be able to eat prior to surgery?
  • Will I be able to breastfeed?

Plans for Surgery

  • What surgeries are required for my baby and when will they happen?
  • What will my baby look like after surgery?
  • What are the surgical risks and survival rates?
  • How long will we be in the hospital before going home?

Common Concerns About Growth and Development

  • What cardiac and developmental issues should I expect?
  • What feeding and growth concerns should I expect?
  • How likely is my baby to be readmitted to the hospital?

Quality of Life and Long-Term Outlook

  • Will my baby need future surgeries or procedures?
  • Will my baby have physical limitations?
  • Are there limitations for school?
  • Could my other/future children have heart defects?
  • How likely is it that my baby will need a heart transplant?

Preparing for Care of Baby at Home

  • How long will we be in the hospital before going home?
  • How will we know my baby is ready for discharge home?
  • What plans should I make for childcare?
  • How will I monitor baby at home?
  • Where will my baby be cared for when we go home? Frequency of clinic visits?

Research Studies

Nationwide Children's Hospital is a leader in pediatric research. Research studies try to answer questions about how to better treat babies with similar heart problems. Our hospital is part of a large group of pediatric hospitals around the country, who together do research to improve care for kids. Your baby may be eligible to participate in research trials. Participation in research is entirely voluntary.

Family Support

What specialists or other resources are available to me and my family? Please speak with one of the fetal medicine team members about these services and any additional support you may need.