Information for Expectant Parents

The Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Center at RUSH takes a patient-focused approach to caring for expectant parents facing high-risk pregnancies. At the center, you will receive unparalleled, multidisciplinary medical care, as well as emotional and social support.

What to expect at the Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Center

After your OB-GYN or primary care doctor refers you to the Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Center at RUSH, you will meet with the fetal and neonatal medicine team. While you are here, you can expect the following:

Expert diagnosis

Using the latest technologies, specialists at the center will perform a number of diagnostic tests to make or confirm a diagnosis. Some of the tests may include the following:

  • Amniocentesis
  • Advanced ultrasound, including 3D and 4D
  • Fetal echocardiogram
  • Fetal MRI
  • First trimester (nuchal translucency) and second trimester serum screening (quad screening) for chromosomal anomalies

Multidisciplinary consultation and care plan

After your diagnosis, you will join a team of specialists at the center for a multidisciplinary consultation. During the consultation, the fetal and neonatal team will do the following:

  • Review all information about your pregnancy and your baby's diagnosis
  • Share opinions and educate you on your baby's condition
  • Answer your questions
  • Make a plan for your continued prenatal care and delivery
  • Make a plan for your baby's care after delivery
  • Provide you with support contacts for the remainder of your pregnancy and beyond

Emotional support

The team at the center understands that facing pregnancy complications can be overwhelming and emotional. To help guide you through each step of the process, the center offers the following support:

  • Clinical coordinators help you navigate through the medical system. They take care of every detail of your care, such as scheduling appointments, finding lodging accommodations if needed and obtaining parking passes.
  • A point of contact is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can reach your clinical contact at (312) 942-7874.
  • Social workers, chaplains, ethicists and palliative care specialists provide comfort, counseling and guidance to help you through difficult emotions and decisions.

Mother and baby stay together

After your baby is born, you and your baby will receive care under one roof in the Family Birth Center at RUSH.

  • Care for your baby: If your baby needs intensive care, your baby will be treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at RUSH, which is located directly adjacent to labor and delivery. This allows a team of neonatal intensive care specialists to start caring for your baby within seconds after delivery.
  • Care for you: You will recover in a postpartum room located close to the NICU. At RUSH, you are able to be with your baby in the NICU day or night.

For more information, please contact us at (312) 942-9472.