Comprehensive Fetal Care Program: Supporting You and Your Baby's Journey

Navigating a complicated pregnancy can be overwhelming, but at our Fetal Care Program, you are not alone. Our dedicated team of experts, including obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, geneticists, pediatricians, neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, radiologists, and social workers, collaborates closely to provide exceptional care for both mother and baby. We understand that each pregnancy is unique, and we are committed to delivering individualized care plans tailored to your specific needs, guiding and supporting families every step of the way.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, along with the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Pediatric specialists at Mass General for Children (MGfC), offers a wide array of advanced options for prenatal testing and monitoring, especially for high-risk pregnancies. These comprehensive services are designed to provide early detection and informed decision-making, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Our prenatal services include:

Genetic Screening and Testing: We offer cutting-edge screening and diagnostic tests to identify potential genetic syndromes, providing families with crucial information to prepare and plan.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), Amniocentesis, and Diagnostic Procedures: Our specialists are proficient in performing CVS, amniocentesis, and other minimally invasive diagnostic procedures to accurately assess fetal health and chromosomal conditions.
Specialized Ultrasound Examinations: Utilizing state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, we conduct detailed examinations to detect fetal abnormalities, meticulously monitor fetal growth, and comprehensively assess overall fetal well-being.
Fetal Echocardiogram: For pregnancies with suspected heart conditions, we perform fetal echocardiograms, a specialized ultrasound to evaluate the baby’s heart structure and function in detail.
Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): When necessary, we employ fetal MRI, a radiation-free imaging technique that provides detailed insights into fetal anatomy, particularly the brain and other soft tissues, aiding in complex diagnoses.

Alt text: Expectant parents at a prenatal ultrasound appointment, highlighting specialized care for detecting fetal conditions.

Should prenatal testing reveal a structural abnormality or raise concerns about a genetic syndrome, our Fetal Care Program is designed to provide comprehensive support. We prioritize clear communication and empathetic counseling to help families fully understand the potential implications of such findings for the pregnancy and the future health of their baby. Working collaboratively, we carefully consider the family’s values, preferences, and priorities to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their unique circumstances.

We recognize that an unexpected diagnosis can bring about fear and uncertainty. Therefore, counseling, education, and emotional support are fundamental pillars of our approach. We empower patients to be active participants in their care team, and our dedicated physicians, nurses, and genetic counselors are readily available to address any questions, offer reassurance, and discuss the latest advancements in research and treatment options.

Exceptional Fetal and Newborn Care Coordination

If prenatal testing identifies a condition that may impact your baby’s health after birth, the specialists at Mass General and MGfC ensure a seamless continuum of care. We proactively create a coordinated care plan that delivers optimal support and targeted interventions for women and families, both before and after the arrival of their baby.

Depending on the specific diagnosis, your and your baby’s care will be expertly overseen and meticulously coordinated by a multidisciplinary team. This team includes leaders in obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, general and thoracic pediatric surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, radiology, cleft lip and palate, ear, nose and throat (ENT), plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, urology, nephrology, newborn intensive care, pediatric intensive care, genetic counselors, genetics, social work, and palliative care. This comprehensive approach ensures every aspect of your and your baby’s needs are addressed with expertise and compassion.

Comprehensive Range of Conditions and Treatments

Our Fetal Care Program provides state-of-the-art care for a vast spectrum of congenital anomalies and conditions. Below are some of the specialized pediatric services integrated into our program:

Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery: The pediatric surgery team at MGfC is highly skilled in treating babies and children with a wide range of congenital anomalies. This includes congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), abdominal wall defects such as gastroschisis and omphalocele, bowel diseases like atresias and duplications, tumors, lung diseases, and other rare newborn conditions. For babies with critical heart and lung issues, the surgical team offers newborn life support using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Our pediatric surgeons are committed to employing the most advanced surgical knowledge and innovative techniques in the care of their youngest patients.

Alt text: A thriving toddler, previously a patient in pediatric surgery for duodenal atresia, showcasing successful treatment outcomes.

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery: Our specialized pediatric orthopaedic doctors provide advanced treatment for conditions such as clubfoot, hip dysplasia, and various congenital musculoskeletal deformities. They collaborate closely with pediatric surgery and pediatric medicine teams to ensure coordinated, high-quality care for our youngest patients, optimizing their musculoskeletal health and development.

Pediatric Neurosurgery: The pediatric neurosurgery service at MGfC excels in diagnosing and treating the full range of neurosurgical conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents. They possess special expertise in managing congenital anomalies of the spine and brain, including Chiari malformations, myelomeningocele, tethered spinal cord, hydrocephalus, spinal cord disorders, ventriculomegaly, and craniosynostosis. Their focus is on delivering delicate and effective neurosurgical interventions for complex conditions.

Pediatric Neurology: Our highly trained pediatric neurologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of both common and complex pediatric neurological disorders and diseases. Each neurologist has specific expertise in certain conditions, ensuring that every pediatric patient is matched with the ideal specialist for their unique needs. They work in close collaboration with other pediatric services at MGfC to provide comprehensive and coordinated high-quality care that best serves each child’s neurological health.

Pediatric Cardiology: The renowned pediatric cardiology program at MGfC offers expert diagnostic, treatment, and long-term follow-up care for infants, children, and adolescents with all types of congenital and acquired cardiac conditions. This includes conditions like atrial septal defect (ASD), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and ventricular septal defect (VSD). We have particular expertise in fetal and postnatal echocardiography, prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease, and minimally invasive procedures, including percutaneous transcatheter interventions. In partnership with adult cardiology specialists at Mass General, we ensure seamless continuing care for patients with congenital heart diseases into adulthood.

Pediatric Urology: Specialized surgical care for congenital urologic conditions at MGfC is provided by our expert pediatric urologists. They have extensive experience in caring for babies and children with a broad spectrum of urologic conditions, including hydronephrosis, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, hypospadias, and ambiguous genitalia. Their expertise ensures the best possible urologic outcomes for young patients.

Pediatric Nephrology: Our pediatric nephrologists offer expert consultation and care for congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT), as well as various kidney problems such as cystic disease, fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK), obstructive uropathy, and hydronephrosis. They are dedicated to managing and treating complex kidney conditions in infants and children.

Cleft Lip and Craniofacial Clinic: The Cleft Lip and Craniofacial Clinic at MGfC, in collaboration with Shriners Hospital for Children, delivers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the care of children with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial disorders. Specialists from plastic surgery, ENT surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, speech pathology, dentistry, and other disciplines work together to create a customized treatment plan. This individualized plan is designed to provide each child with the best opportunity for optimal appearance, speech, hearing, vision, dentition, and a positive self-image.

Alt text: A family with their baby who received multidisciplinary care for cleft lip and palate, demonstrating the program’s comprehensive support.

Pediatric Imaging: Our specialized radiologists have subspecialty expertise in pediatric imaging. They perform advanced fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when needed to provide highly accurate diagnoses of congenital anomalies without radiation exposure to mother or child. Pediatric imaging is also integral to the ongoing medical care MGfC provides for babies after birth, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and MRI to visualize pediatric diseases and assess treatment response.

Patty Ribakoff Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU): As one of the most advanced and family-focused neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in New England, our NICU provides expert care to critically ill babies born at Mass General and across the region. Designated a Level III nursery by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it offers the highest level of care for premature and critically ill infants, utilizing the most advanced technological and therapeutic resources available. The neonatology team comprises leading neonatologists, experienced neonatal nurses, nurse practitioners, pediatricians, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, nutritionists, and specially trained social workers. The MGfC NICU prioritizes family-centered care, welcoming parents at any time and providing dedicated parent spaces at each infant’s bedside, encouraging parents to be crucial members of their baby’s care team.

Comprehensive Care for the Whole Family

Our Fetal Care Program extends beyond medical treatment to encompass the well-being of the entire family. We offer a range of supportive services to ensure families feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.

Coordinating Care: Our dedicated team of obstetric and surgical nurses offers personalized, one-on-one assistance to help families navigate the healthcare setting, from initial diagnosis through birth and ongoing treatment. Our nurses and nurse coordinator are available throughout pregnancy to streamline appointments, facilitate meetings with the appropriate providers, and arrange facility tours. Following delivery, they ensure a seamless transition to pediatric care, providing continuous support.

Genetic Counselors: Our expert genetic counselors are providers with specialized training in both genetics and counseling. When an ultrasound reveals a fetal anomaly, they guide families through the process of understanding the potential reasons for the anomaly. They thoroughly review available testing options to gain more information about the health of the pregnancy and the severity of the condition. The genetic counseling team is committed to ensuring each family has a clear understanding of the diagnosis, including its cause, symptoms, and the chances of recurrence in other family members or future children. They also provide vital emotional support and connect families with additional resources, such as support groups and other families who have navigated similar diagnoses during pregnancy.

Alt text: A genetic counselor discussing a fetal diagnosis with parents, emphasizing emotional support and informational guidance.

Obstetric and Pediatric Social Work: Our compassionate obstetric social workers support new mothers and their families from the beginning of pregnancy through the postpartum period. Following delivery, your family’s care can seamlessly transition to a pediatric social worker for continued support throughout your baby’s life. Our social workers are master’s level-prepared mental health clinicians who assist with the transition to parenthood and connect families with essential resources at MGfC, Mass General, and within the wider community.

Newborn Developmental Follow-Up Clinic: The Newborn Developmental Follow-Up Clinic at MGfC provides comprehensive evaluation and follow-up services for at-risk infants and toddlers from birth to two years. This includes babies born prematurely, those with serious medical problems, or those with congenital anomalies. The clinic offers crucial services to help families and community-based pediatricians address growth and development concerns in high-risk patients. Neonatal specialists at the clinic aid in the early identification of potential medical, neurological, developmental, and nutritional issues, guiding families and primary care providers to specific services as needed to optimize each child’s developmental trajectory.

Pediatric Palliative Care: Pediatric palliative care is an interdisciplinary service that provides an added layer of healing and support for children and families when a child faces a serious illness or life-limiting condition. Our focus is on maximizing a child’s quality of life, providing relief from pain, symptoms, and stress, facilitating smooth transitions of care, coordinating communication between care teams, and improving the overall family experience of care during challenging times.