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. 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.

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What Will Happen After I Contact the Team?

1. You will receive a call from a care coordinator to discuss your second opinion or schedule your visit. The care coordinator will help you plan your day.
2. 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.
3. 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 would 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, 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.

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.

Connect 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.