The journey of pregnancy can be filled with anticipation and joy, but for some families, it may also bring unexpected complexities. At [carcodereader.store], we understand the concerns that arise when facing a high-risk pregnancy or a fetal diagnosis. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing in-depth information about programs like the Fetal Care Program at renowned institutions such as MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGfC). This program exemplifies a comprehensive approach to supporting families through challenging pregnancies, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.
The Fetal Care Program at MGfC brings together a team of highly specialized experts, including obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, geneticists, pediatricians, neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, radiologists, and social workers. This multidisciplinary team collaborates closely to monitor complicated pregnancies, delivering individualized care plans tailored to the unique needs of each mother and child. Their primary goal is to guide families through every step of their journey, from diagnosis to delivery and beyond.
Advanced Prenatal Testing and Monitoring
For pregnancies identified as high-risk, the Fetal Care Program offers a wide array of advanced prenatal testing and monitoring options. These services are crucial for early detection and management of potential complications, ensuring proactive care and informed decision-making. These options may include:
- Genetic Screening and Testing: Comprehensive screening and diagnostic tests for genetic syndromes, providing valuable insights into the baby’s genetic health.
- Diagnostic Procedures: Utilizing procedures like Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis for definitive diagnoses when necessary.
- Specialized Ultrasound Examinations: Advanced ultrasound technology to detect fetal abnormalities, meticulously monitor fetal growth, and thoroughly assess fetal well-being.
- Fetal Echocardiogram: Detailed cardiac imaging to evaluate the baby’s heart health.
- Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): When required, fetal MRI provides detailed insights into fetal anatomy and potential issues, without radiation exposure.
Should a structural abnormality or genetic syndrome be detected, the program emphasizes clear communication and compassionate support. The team works closely with families to ensure they fully understand the potential implications of the findings for both the pregnancy and the future health of their baby. Crucially, treatment plans are developed collaboratively, respecting the family’s preferences and priorities to create a truly personalized approach.
Recognizing the emotional impact of an unexpected diagnosis, counseling, education, and emotional support are integral to the Fetal Care Program’s philosophy. Patients are empowered to be active participants in their care, with physicians, nurses, and genetic counselors readily available to address questions, discuss concerns, and share the latest advancements in research and treatment.
Exceptional Care Before and After Birth
The Fetal Care Program’s commitment extends beyond prenatal care. If testing reveals a condition requiring specialized postnatal care, the program seamlessly integrates with specialists at Mass General and MGfC to create a coordinated care plan. This proactive approach ensures optimal support and interventions for both mother and baby, extending from the prenatal period through to postnatal life.
Depending on the specific diagnosis, the care team is expertly coordinated, potentially involving specialists from a wide range of disciplines. These may include obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, general and thoracic pediatric surgery, cardiology, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, radiology, cleft lip and palate, ear nose and throat, plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, urology, nephrology, newborn intensive care, pediatric intensive care, genetic counselors, genetics, social work, and palliative care. This extensive network of expertise ensures that every aspect of the baby’s and family’s needs are addressed.
Comprehensive Conditions and Treatments
The breadth of conditions and treatments offered through the Fetal Care Program and associated specialists is extensive. Here’s a glimpse into some key areas:
Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery: A highly skilled pediatric surgery team provides state-of-the-art care for newborns and children with a wide spectrum of congenital anomalies. These include conditions like congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), abdominal wall defects such as gastroschisis and omphalocele, various bowel diseases, tumors, lung diseases, and other rare newborn conditions. They are also proficient in newborn life support, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for babies with heart and lung issues.
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery: Specialists in pediatric orthopedics offer advanced treatments for conditions like clubfoot, hip dysplasia, and congenital musculoskeletal deformities. Their collaborative approach with other pediatric services ensures comprehensive care for young patients.
Pediatric Neurosurgery: The pediatric neurosurgery service excels in diagnosing and treating neurosurgical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. They possess particular expertise in congenital anomalies of the spine and brain, such as Chiari malformations, myelomeningocele, tethered spinal cord, hydrocephalus, spinal cord disorders, ventriculomegaly, and craniosynostosis.
Pediatric Neurology: Pediatric neurologists are experts in diagnosing and managing a wide range of neurological disorders in children. Their specialized knowledge ensures that each child is matched with a neurologist best suited to their specific condition, providing highly tailored and effective care.
Pediatric Cardiology: The pediatric cardiology program provides expert care for infants, children, and adolescents with congenital and acquired heart conditions, including atrial septal defect (ASD), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and ventricular septal defect (VSD). They are particularly skilled in fetal and postnatal echocardiography, prenatal diagnosis of heart disease, and minimally invasive procedures.
Pediatric Urology: Pediatric urologists offer specialized surgical care for congenital urologic conditions, with extensive experience in conditions such as hydronephrosis, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, hypospadias, and ambiguous genitalia.
Pediatric Nephrology: Pediatric nephrologists provide consultation and care for congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT), as well as other kidney problems like cystic disease, fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK), obstructive uropathy, and hydronephrosis.
Cleft Lip and Craniofacial Clinic: In partnership with Shriners Hospital for Children, the Cleft Lip and Craniofacial Clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach to care for children with cleft lip and palate or craniofacial disorders. Specialists from various fields collaborate to create individualized treatment plans, aiming for optimal outcomes in appearance, speech, hearing, vision, dentition, and self-image.
Pediatric Imaging: Radiologists with subspecialty expertise in pediatric imaging utilize advanced techniques, including fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to accurately diagnose congenital anomalies without radiation exposure. They also play a vital role in ongoing medical care, using technologies like ultrasound, CT, and MRI to visualize pediatric diseases and monitor treatment response.
Patty Ribakoff Newborn Intensive Care Unit: As a leading Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), they provide expert care for critically ill newborns. The NICU is staffed by a dedicated team of neonatologists, nurses, and other specialists, and emphasizes family-centered care, welcoming parents at any time and providing dedicated space for them at their baby’s bedside.
Care for the Entire Family
The Fetal Care Program recognizes that a complex pregnancy and fetal diagnosis impact the entire family. Therefore, they offer comprehensive support services to address the emotional, logistical, and practical needs of families:
Coordinating Care: Dedicated obstetric and surgical nurses provide personalized assistance in navigating the healthcare system, from initial diagnosis through birth and ongoing treatment. They help consolidate appointments, connect families with the right providers, and organize facility tours, ensuring a smooth and coordinated experience.
Genetic Counselors: Genetic counselors play a crucial role in helping families understand the possible causes of fetal anomalies and available testing options. They ensure families have a clear understanding of diagnoses, including causes, symptoms, and recurrence risks. They also provide emotional support and connect families with valuable resources, such as support groups.
Obstetric and Pediatric Social Work: Social workers offer support to new mothers and families from pregnancy through postpartum and beyond. They assist with the transition to parenthood and connect families with resources within the hospital and the community.
Newborn Developmental Follow-Up Clinic: This clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and follow-up services for at-risk infants and toddlers up to two years old, including those born prematurely, with medical problems, or congenital anomalies. It aids in early identification of potential developmental issues and guides families to appropriate services.
Pediatric Palliative Care: For families facing serious illnesses or life-limiting conditions in their child, pediatric palliative care offers an extra layer of support. This interdisciplinary service focuses on maximizing quality of life, managing pain and symptoms, and improving the overall care experience for the child and family.
Patient Resources
For further information and resources related to the Fetal Care Program at MGfC, please view their full collection of patient resources.
Patient Stories
Reading about the experiences of other families can be incredibly helpful and reassuring. Explore the patient stories from MGfC to gain insights into the positive impact of their care.
Lamar Jr.’s story: World-class Pediatric Care for When the Unexpected Happens
Ingrid’s story: A multidisciplinary dress rehearsal helps baby and family thrive after high-risk surgery
Beau’s story: A true partnership in care helps baby thrive after cleft lip and palate surgery
Grayson’s story: Hurdle by hurdle, toddler reaches the finish line with family-centered care
(/children/pediatric-surgery/graysons-story-hurdle-by-hurdle-toddler-reaches-the-finish-line-with-family-centered-care)
Michael’s story: Complex treatment for duodenal atresia forges path for toddler to thrive
[/children/news/michaels-story-duodenal-atresia)
Meet the Team
The Fetal Care Program is supported by a dedicated and compassionate team of experts:
Coordinators
- Jaclyn McGowan, NP – Nurse Practitioner, Fetal Care Program
- Karen Parsons, RN – Registered Nurse, Fetal Care Program
Cardiology
- Kavitha Ranganathan, MD
Plastics
- Jay Austen, MD – Chief, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery & Division of Burn Surgery
Pediatic Imaging
- Teresa Victoria, MD, PhD – Chief of Pediatric Radiology
- Samantha Harrington, MD, MSC – Pediatric Radiology
- Evan Zucker, MD
Neurosurgery
Genetics Counselors
- Meagan Crumbly
- Elizabeth Knorr
- Chelsea Mandigo
- Margaret Merrill
- Kelsey Reynolds
This overview provides a comprehensive look into the Fetal Care Program, highlighting its commitment to expert medical care, family-centered support, and positive outcomes for even the most complex pregnancies. For families navigating challenging prenatal diagnoses, programs like this offer hope, guidance, and the best possible care.
