Comprehensive Fetal Care Program
Global leaders in fetal care and early intervention
Part of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Diagnosis, care planning, and ongoing support
Our teams diagnose and manage a wide range of fetal conditions identified during pregnancy, including genetic conditions, structural differences, and other complications that may affect your baby’s health or delivery. We help you understand your diagnosis, plan next steps, and navigate care from diagnosis through birth and transition to pediatric care.
Coordinated care through delivery and beyond
If your baby is expected to need specialized care after birth, you will receive obstetric care within this program. Our high-risk obstetric team provides ongoing monitoring, prepares you for delivery, and works closely with pediatric specialists to ensure a smooth transition after birth. We partner with pediatric teams at Mass General Brigham for Children and Boston Children’s Hospital to support your baby’s care after delivery.
Our approach to fetal care
Your care team is built around your needs and your baby’s diagnosis. Specialists work together to coordinate care before, during, and after delivery.
- Maternal-fetal medicine doctors manage your high-risk pregnancy and coordinate your obstetric care.
- Co-managed care allows you to receive some care closer to home while we stay closely connected with your local provider.
- Fetal care nurses guide you through pregnancy, delivery planning, and postpartum care.
- Pediatric nurse coordinators help schedule appointments, connect you with specialists, and coordinate your care.
- Pediatric surgery specialists join your baby’s care team when needed, in partnership with Mass General Brigham for Children and Boston Children’s Hospital.
- Genetic counselors explain testing options and support informed decision-making.
- Neonatologists (newborn ICU doctors) prepare you for delivery and your baby’s care after birth.
- Timing of delivery is based on your medical history and your baby’s condition. Your care team will work with pediatric specialists to plan the safest timing.
- Vaginal or cesarean birth: Many patients can have a vaginal delivery. If a cesarean birth is recommended, your care team will explain why and what to expect.
- Breastfeeding support: Our hospitals are Baby-Friendly and offer resources to support breastfeeding. Each room includes a breast pump, storage supplies, and refrigeration. Lactation specialists are available, especially if your baby requires care in the NICU.
After birth, your care team continues to support both you and your baby. We provide specialized care for newborns and help families navigate next steps based on their baby’s needs.
If your baby requires advanced care, they may be cared for in one of our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). These units provide advanced technology and specialized treatment for premature or critically ill infants.
Our NICUs are designed to support families. Parents can be present at any time, and bedside space allows you to stay close to your baby throughout their care. We consider parents an essential part of the care team and support your involvement every step of the way.
Related conditions and treatments
- Fetal Growth Restriction
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Spina Bifida
- Diaphragmatic Hernia in Children
- Omphalocele
- Birth Defects in Newborn Babies
- Birth Defects in Children
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Polyhydramnios
- Oligohydramnios
- Small for Gestational Age
- Small for Gestational Age (SGA)
- Fetal Echocardiography
- Biophysical Profile
- Nonstress Test
- Rh-Negative Screening
- Fetal Heart Monitoring
- Chorionic Villus Sampling
- Fetal Blood Sampling
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Screening Test
- First Trimester Screening
Contact the Comprehensive Fetal Care Program
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
617-732-4202
Massachusetts General Hospital
857-238-2273