The Fetal Medicine Unit

1. Detailed ultrasound scans by Specialist Fetal Medicine doctors to examine the baby in the womb

• When and anomaly is suspected or diagnosed
• To give a second opinion for other hospitals
• Where there is a previous history of fetal anomaly, chromosome or genetic conditions
• Where a pregnancy is affected by or at risk from maternal Rhesus disease or viral infections
• Where there are complications of multiple pregnancy (e.g. triplets, or anomaly or small twin)

2. Fetal Cardiology (heart scanning) with Consultant Paediatric Cardiologists

• To diagnose fetal heart abnormalities

3. Diagnostic tests in pregnancy:

• Chorionic villus sampling
• Amniocentesis
• Fetal Blood Sampling

4. Treatment to the baby in the womb:

• Fetal Blood Transfusion
• Insertion of fetal chest drains
• Amnioreduction (drainage of excess amniotic fluid from around the fetus)

5. Liaison with all relevant paediatric specialities (e.g. neonatologists, surgeons, neurologists, nephrologists and specialist nurses).

Specialist Doctors perform detailed ultrasound scans and it is likely that more than one person will scan your baby during your visit. Your partner, a relative or close friend may accompany you. We recommend that you arrange for your children to be cared for at home as it is easier to discuss any issues arising from your scan if children are not present. On arrival please check in at our reception desk, which is located on E. Level. It is important that you arrive on time for your appointment. Urgent and high-risk patients who attend the Unit may require longer than their allocated appointment time. This can delay the clinic and we would appreciate your patience. When you arrive we will try to keep closely to your appointment time and will inform you if there is a delay.

When your ultrasound scan is finished the doctor(s) an/or the midwife will sit down with you and explain what has been seen. If any differences/problems are found this will be fully explained and you will have time to ask questions and discuss this with the doctor(s) and/or the midwife. You will be given a detailed report with all the information about your visit and all of the baby's measurements. Your referring hospital and GP will also receive this report.

In some cases diagnostic tests (e.g. CVS/amniocentesis) may be offered to give you and the doctor additional information about your baby. These will be discussed in detail with you and written information given. Tests are optional and we understand that you may need time to come to a decision. It is usually possible to perform these tests on the same day as your detailed scan if this what you decide. Following the test you will be told when the test results will be ready, and how you will be informed of the results.

When your appointment is over you will be given a contact telephone number for the Fetal Medicine midwives who are available to give further information and support following your visit. If you need a follow-up appointment, this will be booked before you leave the unit. Your local hospital team will continue to have overall responsibility for your pregnancy.

Fetal Medicine Consultants:

Mr David Howe

Dr Karen Brackley

Mr Matthew Coleman

Dr Raji Parasuraman

Dr Tara Selman

Dr Jillian Connor

Paediatric Cardiologists:

Dr David Black

Dr Tara Bharucha

Dr Kevin Roman

Consultant Nurse:

Sally Boxall

Specialist Midwives:

Alison O'Brien

Lynn Parsons

Secretaries:

Chelsea Sherred

Amanda Benham

Claire Peters

We are a university teaching and research hospital. Occasionally there may be some trials/studies that you may be asked if you would like to participate in.

Contact number: 02381206025 / 02381204228 (secretaries)

Email: suh-tr.WessexFMU@nhs.net

Further information about our Fetal Medicine Unit can be found at our website here.

Useful Websites:

Fetal anomalies - .gov collection

ARC UK