Some conditions can be life threatening for your unborn child. Our highly skilled surgeons can perform surgeries on your fetus in the womb to save your child or to improve long-term outcomes after birth. Fetal surgery may be used to treat spina bifida, congenital diaphragmatic hernia and other life-threatening abnormalities.

Laser Surgery

This procedure may be recommended for severe cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia polycythemia syndrome, conditions that may occur in pregnancies with identical twins sharing a single placenta. The procedure uses a tiny camera (fetoscope) to find abnormal blood vessel connections responsible for a shared blood supply. Your surgeon uses a laser to sever those connections to protect the fetuses.

Fetal Endoscopic Surgery

Fetal endoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin flexible tube, equipped with a tiny camera and surgical tools. Endoscopic techniques can be used for a variety of conditions, including congenital diaphragmatic hernia and fetal tumors.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a procedure used to diagnose various disorders, including spina bifida and Down syndrome. During the test, a needle is used to collect a small amount of amniotic fluid from inside your uterus. The fluid is then tested in the lab. The procedure is typically done during the second or third trimester.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Chorionic villi are tiny finger-like projections found in your placenta that share the same genetic material as your baby. Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal diagnostic procedure that collects tissue samples from these chorionic villi and tests them for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders. The test may be suggested during the first trimester for women with certain risk factors, including a family history of a genetic disease.

Fetal Blood Sampling

Intrauterine Blood Transfusion

Cordocentesis (Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling)

Cordocentesis is an advanced diagnostic test used to collect a sample of blood from the umbilical cord. It can be used to diagnose genetic abnormalities, infections and blood disorders. The procedure, which carries a small risk of miscarriage or early emergency delivery by C-section, may be recommended if other noninvasive tests are inconclusive.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

If your unborn baby is facing complications, you want information and help as soon as possible. That’s why it is critical that your care team has access to the most advanced diagnostic tools available. The sooner we can diagnose your baby’s birth defect, the sooner we can begin treatment – sometimes while your baby is still in the womb.

Orlando Health Women’s Institute Fetal Care Center is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and a compassionate care team with advanced training in assessing high-risk pregnancies. Among our testing capabilities:

Fetal MRI

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a painless, noninvasive imaging test that allows us to create detailed images of your unborn child. The test relies on powerful magnets, rather than radiation, so there is no risk for you or your baby. During the test, you will lay on your back and slide into the large tube-shaped machine, which captures images from multiple angles. These images are compiled by a computer to help your doctor assess brain and organ development and diagnose spina bifida, heart defects and genetic abnormalities.

Ultrasound (2D/3D/4D)

Ultrasound uses soundwaves to create images of your fetus. The images can be used to diagnose and monitor various fetal conditions, including heart defects, growth restriction and structural anomalies. During the early stages of your pregnancy, your doctor performs basic ultrasound tests to monitor your baby’s development. These non-invasive tests use harmless sound waves to create images. Advances in this diagnostic technology allow our doctors to generate images with far greater detail. 3D ultrasound tests help us create a three-dimensional image to assess body structures, facial features and development. 4D tests do the same thing, while adding a real-time video element to the images. These tests can help diagnose and monitor various fetal conditions, including heart defects, growth restriction and structural anomalies.

Post-Birth Care

Our highly trained experts at Orlando Health Women’s Institute Fetal Care Center will ensure seamless care throughout your pregnancy. This continues after your baby is born, as you enjoy a smooth transition from prenatal to pediatric care, through coordination with the nationally recognized specialists at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

With our multidisciplinary approach, you will have access to every specialty to make your experience easier and less stressful. Orlando’s Health’s team of neonatologists, obstetricians, pediatric surgeons, genetic counselors and other experts work together to make sure you and your baby have the best care and best outcome possible. From the moment you make your first appointment, we will be at your side every step of your pregnancy journey.