Expert Care for Both
Mom & Baby
Speak With Our Team
When you learn your baby may be born with a health condition, you need information. A fetal diagnosis may be a scary thought, but there is help. There is a team to support you through every step of the way. It’s all right here at the Fetal Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Conditions We Treat
Nationwide Children's is one of only a few fetal centers in the Midwest, and in the United States, to offer a full range of fetal therapies, including fetal intervention and fetal surgery. The care coordination team starts by coordinating your appointment schedule and answering financial and insurance questions. Nationwide Children’s provides concierge services to assist with travel and lodging requests. Our world-class medical team cares for you and your baby. No matter where you are, we can help.
If you do not see the condition or diagnosis you are looking for, reach out to us. Our team treats all types of fetal concerns. We can provide evaluations, treatment options and second opinions for a full range of conditions, including:
Cervical Teratoma (Giant Neck Mass)
A giant neck mass is an abnormal growth of the neck. There are two different types of masses including cervical teratomas and lymphatic malformations. The cause of it is unknown, but it can be treated.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), is a rare congenital condition where the muscles in the diaphragm do not grow together, leaving a hole. The hole allows the intestines and other organs (stomach, liver) to move up into the baby’s chest. When this happens, it makes it hard for the lungs to grow.
Congenital Lung Lesions (CPAM, CCAM)
Congenital lung lesions are a group of conditions where part of the lung has an abnormal growth or mass. Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration and congenital lobar emphysema are the most common types of congenital lung lesions.
Fetal Heart (Cardiac) Defect
A heart defect is when the heart or the heart's blood vessels do not grow (develop) the right way before birth. The words “congenital heart defect" and "congenital heart disease" both mean that the defect happened before the baby was born.
Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (SCT)
Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a tumor that forms on a baby’s tailbone (coccyx). The tumors are usually not cancerous (benign) but can be life-threatening if not treated. SCT is rare, occurring in about 1 in 35,000-40,000 births. They are more common in males than females.
Spina Bifida and Myelomeningocele
Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect, a problem with the spinal cord or the structures that cover it. The neural tube normally closes during the early weeks of development and can occur at any point along the spine. Spina bifida occurs because of the neural tube not closing completely during development, causing a hole in some of the bones of the spine.
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)
Identical twins who share one placenta may be at risk for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). The single placenta contains blood vessels going from one baby to the other. In TTTS, blood from the smaller donor twin is transferred to the larger recipient twin, causing an uneven exchange of blood.
Why Choose Nationwide Children's Hospital?
The Fetal Center is a place where world-class clinical care and experts from nationally ranked programs are here to care for you and your unborn baby. Nationwide Children’s Research Institute is on the cutting edge of gene therapy and clinical research, offering access to new groundbreaking treatments.Support for Out-of-Town Patients Starts Here
Some patients opt for an online second opinion before deciding to travel. If you need to travel to Columbus to see our experts in fetal care, Nationwide Children’s can help. While our clinical care team coordinates your visit, Global Patient Services can assist with your travel and lodging needs. Whether you need to find a hotel or stay at The Ronald McDonald House, our team is ready for you. Financial coordination and insurance assistance are also available from our team before your visit.
Speak With Our Team
Our team is here to help as soon as you learn your baby may have a fetal concern or diagnosis. And a physician referral is not required. Our expert team evaluates and treats nearly every fetal complication, from the most common to the most complex conditions. With access to advanced diagnostic imaging, ultrasounds and fetal MRIs, you'll find the answers, and the treatment, here.
Looking for a second opinion? The Fetal Center team can help. Our team of specialists work together to provide comprehensive feedback on your diagnosis and treatment plan through either an in-person visit or via an online written report. Our team can help you decide which is right for you.
Complete the form below or call (614) 869-4609 and the Fetal Center team will be in touch with you.