Fetal Medicine Unit
We support women and birthing people when their unborn baby may have health complications, by providing a diagnosis and 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:
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 abnormalities.
- Management of complicated pregnancies.
- Diagnostic testing to check if your baby could have a chromosomal or 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 chromosomal 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. The testing is done in cooperation with University College London Hospitals (UCLH).
- Monitoring and treatment of women with rhesus alloimmunisation, alloimmune thrombocytopaenia and other abnormal red cell antibodies.
- Management and care for parents expecting twins and higher order multiple pregnancies (triplets and above) by our specialist midwife Kate Milne.
- Preterm birth prevention clinic led by Irene Gafson and Anna O’Brien.
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
Our 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 and King's College Hospital.
In the preterm birth prevention clinic, we will explore your history and possible risk factors for pre-term labour. We will offer appropriate investigations and monitoring accordingly. We may offer you treatments to reduce the risk of preterm birth. Please click here for further information.
After giving birth
We work closely together with the neonatal team, those doctors and nurses caring for newborn babies. They work on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and also support you throughout your pregnancy and plan for your care after giving birth. We also offer a specialist neonatal clinic to help you better understand how your baby will be cared for after birth.
Your consultant will advise you to attend the clinic if they think it is necessary. You can also speak to your consultant if you would like to attend the clinic.
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
- Charlotte Depoers - Consultant in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine
- Irene Gafson - Consultant in Obstetrics with a special interest in preterm birth prevention and perinatal mental health
- Jenelle Prince - Lead Fetal Medicine Unit Midwife
- Madeleine Batteux - Fetal Medicine Unit Midwife
- Kate Milne - Specialist Twins Midwife and Midwife Sonographer
Location
Fetal Medicine Unit (FMU)
Level 5 Kenwood Wing
The Whittington Hospital
Magdala Avenue
London N19 5NF
Contact
Email: whh-tr.fetalmedicine@nhs.net
Tel: 0207 288 5588.
Tel: 0207 288 5588.
Last updated26 Mar 2024