At the Rush Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Program, we believe that when confronting a fetal anomaly, it's best to face it with an experienced group of compassionate health care specialists. That is why the Rush Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Program was created. This comprehensive program is designed to give expectant parents and their physicians the information they need to provide optimal care.
How the Process Works
- Using the latest technologies, we begin with a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we invite the expectant parents and their referring physicians to a free multidisciplinary consultation.
- At the meeting, physicians, nurses with advanced training, social workers and other staff meet with expectant parents—along with their loved ones—to review cases, pool knowledge, share opinions and answer questions. By providing expertise, these specialists lend support and comfort to help ease the anxiety brought on by uncertain outcomes.
- Based on the meeting, the team creates a plan of action that will help guide the expectant parents for the remainder of the pregnancy and after the birth. This can include everything from additional diagnostic tests to surgical recommendations to a birthing plan.
For more information see:
Use the link at right under "Related Topics" to download a program brochure.
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we provide multidisciplinary expertise to expectant parents facing fetal anomalies.
Conditions We Address: We provide expertise on a wide range of conditions, including the following:
- Abdominal wall defects
- Congenital fetal heart anomalies
- Craniofacial defects
- Genetic disorders
- Neural tube defects
- Renal disorders
- Any combination of structural or genetic disorders
Advanced Diagnostics: Available diagnostic tools include the following:
- First trimester (nuchal translucency) and second trimester serum screening (quad screen) for chromosomal anomalies
- Advanced ultrasound (including 3D-4D as needed)
- Fetal echocardiography
- Amniocentesis
- Fetal MRI
Further diagnostic testing and visits with specialists can be coordinated through the program and are covered by most insurance plans.
The Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Program is headed by two internationally recognized leaders in their fields: Jacques Abramowicz, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound; and Robert Kimura, MD, professor of pediatrics, director of the Section of Neonatology and associate dean of Rush Medical College. Click on the link at right for Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Team to learn more about the specialists available to consult with expectant parents.
The program is backed by the many resources of one of the best academic medical centers in the country. Consistently ranked among the nation's top hospitals by U.S.News & World Report, Rush has twice earned Magnet status from the American Nurse's Credentialing Center—the highest honor in nursing. It has also been named among the top five academic centers in the country by the University HealthSystem Consortium in its annual quality and accountability performance ranking. These honors reflect Rush's ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled care by working collaboratively to pool knowledge and exchange opinions based on expertise and experience.
Neonatology
High-Risk Newborn (Pediatrics)
Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Brochure (PDF)