Your Pregnancy - Fetal Medicine Service
We support women and birthing people when their unborn baby may have health complications, by providing a diagnosis and developing a joint plan for their care.
The service is led by a team of three specialist fetal medicine doctors with the support of two specialist midwives. Our specialist multiple pregnancy midwife is part of our fetal medicine team as well.
Our fetal medicine service offers:
- Diagnosis and management of fetal anomalies.
- Management of complicated pregnancies.
- Diagnostic testing to check if your baby could have a genetic condition. This can be done by sampling and testing a small portion of your placenta (CVS test) or the fluid around your baby (amniocentesis test)
- Screening for genetic conditions through a maternal blood test called NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) or ‘Harmony Test’) if you have a high chance result from a previous screening test.
- Monitoring and treatment of women with rhesus alloimmunisation, alloimmune thrombocytopaenia and other abnormal red cell antibodies.
- Management and care for parents expecting twins, triplets and above.
- Prediction and prevention of pre-term birth.
Referral
If our sonographers think your baby may have a health condition during a scan, they will let you know and refer you to the fetal medicine unit (FMU) to see one of our fetal medicine specialists. You could also be referred to us if there is any concern about the growth of the baby, the fluid around the baby during your pregnancy, or if a screening test shows you are at an increased chance of having a baby with a chromosomal or genetic condition.
What to expect
Fetal medicine clinics are held Monday to Friday at The Whittington Hospital.
When you come to see us, we will carry out a specialist scan to confirm the suspected diagnosis. If we find there is no abnormality, we will reassure you and you can continue with your planned maternity care.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, we will explain what this means and discuss in detail the options available for managing the condition. Depending on your condition you may continue to see us in the fetal medicine unit throughout your pregnancy.
For some conditions, you may need further assessment and care at an advanced specialist Fetal Medicine Centre in Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London Hospital or King's College Hospital.
When you come to see us, we will carry out a specialist scan to confirm the suspected diagnosis. If we find there is no abnormality, we will reassure you and you can continue with your planned maternity care.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, we will explain what this means and discuss in detail the options available for managing the condition. Depending on your condition you may continue to see us in the fetal medicine unit throughout your pregnancy.
For some conditions, you may need further assessment and care at an advanced specialist Fetal Medicine Centre in Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London Hospital or King's College Hospital.
We work closely with the neonatal team (doctors and nurses caring for newborn babies) to support you throughout your pregnancy, help you better understand how your baby will be cared for after birth and make a care plan together for you and baby.
Fetal medicine team
Carolyn Paul, Consultant in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine
Elly Tsoi, Consultant in Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine
Anna Lawin O’ Brien, Consultant in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine
Jenelle Prince, Lead FMU midwife
Madeleine Batteux, FMU Midwife
Kate Milne, Specialist Twins Midwife, Midwife Sonographer
Elly Tsoi, Consultant in Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine
Anna Lawin O’ Brien, Consultant in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine
Jenelle Prince, Lead FMU midwife
Madeleine Batteux, FMU Midwife
Kate Milne, Specialist Twins Midwife, Midwife Sonographer
Location
Fetal Medicine Unit (FMU),
Level 5, Kenwood Wing
The Whittington Hospital Magdala Avenue, London N19 5NF
Contact
Email the team at whh-tr.fetalmedicine@nhs.net or call 0207 288 5588.
Last updated08 Nov 2023