What Will Happen When I Visit the Fetal Center?
You and your baby’s health mean everything. We know this can be a very stressful and scary time. That’s expected with any high-risk pregnancy. Your obstetrician/gynecologist may have told you that your baby has a health condition and referred you to a fetal center. Whether you are coming for a single visit or being seen many times throughout your pregnancy, the Fetal Center can help guide and support you every step of the way.
A nurse coordinator will help schedule your appointments so you can see all your specialists in one day. We will make sure you have the information you need to help you understand your care and your baby’s diagnosis. We will arrange a tour of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU) to help prepare you for the birth and care of your baby.
As a patient, our team of experts provide screening and additional testing to confirm your baby’s diagnosis. We also provide fetal intervention, and surgery options both before and after birth when indicated. Our team will work collaboratively with your primary OB to develop the best delivery plan for both you and baby, including any follow-up care after your baby is born.
Scheduling Your Fetal Center Visit
- You will receive a call from a care coordinator to schedule your visit. The care coordinator will help you plan your day.
- On the day of your appointment, you will be seen by many different doctors and nurses. This first appointment is dedicated to developing a care plan for the rest of your pregnancy. We may repeat some tests that your obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine doctor has already completed to get a more detailed look at your pregnancy. The results from the tests help us to determine how to treat your baby before and after birth. Depending on your baby’s diagnosis, these might include:
- A fetal MRI, which is a scan that helps us see your baby.
- An ultrasound that helps us see detailed images of your baby.
- A fetal echocardiogram that helps us look at your baby’s heart.
- Genetic or other diagnostic tests to identify conditions that may run in your family.
- The end of your visit will be with a multidisciplinary team to review details of your pregnancy and care plan. Team members during this consult time may include a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, fetal surgeon, genetic counselor, social worker and a nurse coordinator. Depending on your diagnosis, you may meet with other pediatric specialists who may be involved in your baby’s care (cardiology, neonatology, urology, neurosurgery, congenital heart surgery, pediatric surgery and other related disciplines). During this time, the fetal team will answer any questions you may have related to your baby’s diagnosis or fetal concern. The team will work hand-in-hand with your family to discuss possible treatment options, delivery and future planning.
Traveling and Planning Your Stay in Columbus, Ohio
Nationwide Children’s is here to help make your journey to Columbus a smooth one. Once you’ve spoken with the Fetal Center team, our care coordinators will help with financial coordination and insurance coverage questions, as well as transportation or lodging assistance for you and your family.
Concierge-Style Services
Nationwide Children’s provides care for thousands of families each year. Our team can help coordinate travel and lodging plans for out-of-town families. We know it takes seamless coordination at every step to provide best outcomes, especially when travel is involved. You can expect our team to provide detailed plans before you arrive, while you’re in Columbus, Ohio, and for transition when it’s time to go back home.
The Ronald McDonald House
Located across the street from Nationwide Children’s, the Ronald McDonald House serves as a home away from home for families receiving care here. One of the largest (and most comforting) of its kind — and it’s just steps away from our main hospital. Each room includes a private bath and accommodates up to four people.
What Happens Next?
Your baby’s diagnosis and several other factors will determine what happens next. We will provide you with all the information you will need to make decisions about next steps that are best for your family. We will continue to work closely with your obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist throughout your pregnancy and are available to provide any additional support, education and treatment needed. Our team is always here to support you and will help with recommendations and planning of any next steps including, fetal monitoring, delivery plan options, and any specialized care that may be needed after your baby’s birth.
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.
