While most pregnancies go “according to plan,” there is still the rare chance that your baby may need more complex fetal care. If that happens, rest assured that you have a team of experts on your side. We’ll personalize your procedure plan and take care of all the details along the way — the planning, the paperwork, the post-op appointments.
We’ll do everything we can so your baby arrives safe and healthy. You’re in exceptional hands.
As one of only a few hospitals in the country to perform complex fetal treatments, the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy is fully equipped to provide comprehensive care for you and your baby. The program has received grant funding to further their research on fetal medicine and has successfully completed a wide range of treatments.
Your medical team will discuss your child’s specific condition. Just know Johns Hopkins is prepared to treat many complex cases including:
We know you’re searching for clear answers — and you’ll get them very soon. Fetal conditions are complex in nature because they vary from patient to patient. Until you have the chance to discuss your situation with your care team, take a look at the process below to gain a better understanding of what may happen next.
If your AHN OB-GYN or maternal-fetal medicine specialist identified a potential fetal complication, your doctor will discuss next steps with you and escalate your case to AHN’s board of fetal specialists.
Once the board agrees you’re a candidate for a Johns Hopkins fetal procedure, things will start to move very quickly. You’ll be asked to authorize AHN to release your medical records to the Johns Hopkins team so they can get up to speed on your health history.
The AHN and Johns Hopkins teams will collaborate and share all important health care information. They’ll establish a personalized plan for you and your baby and begin coordinating next steps.
You and your support person will head to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. When you arrive, you’ll meet with the team and receive a fetal therapy packet. This packet will be personalized to you and outline the specifics of your procedure. The team at Johns Hopkins will walk you through each step and regularly update your AHN doctors.
We understand that the process can feel overwhelming, just keep in mind that you’re giving your child all that you can. You’re doing what’s best.
Depending on your procedure, you’ll have to spend a few days in the hospital. After that, you’ll likely be able to return home to Pittsburgh or Erie. Before you leave, you’ll receive care instructions, and your AHN care coordinator will help with all aspects of your recovery:
You’ll continue to hear from your AHN and Johns Hopkins teams throughout your recovery.
Your medical providers from AHN and Johns Hopkins will continue collaborating until the big day arrives. We’ll be right there with you celebrating your bundle of joy.
It’s overwhelming. We know. We also know that you’re already an incredible parent — a brave person who is willing to do anything necessary for the health of your baby. The AHN and Johns Hopkins teams are here to support you every step of the way. Call (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 if you have any questions or need a better understanding of what comes next.
Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about how your care may benefit from the collaboration of AHN and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
