Fetal Medicine Unit

Most pregnancies result in the birth of a healthy baby but for some women developments may occur that need more specialist help.

The fetal medicine unit is staffed by highly qualified obstetricians and midwives, who provide specialist care for pregnant women from all over the North of England who have been diagnosed with a suspected fetal abnomality following detailed ultrasound scanning. 

Our staff  look after women whose baby:

• is found to have an abnormality, as seen with an ultrasound scan
• is at greater than usual chance of having an abnormality – on the basis of either a positive screening test (eg nuchal translucency or a blood test), or following the previous birth of a baby with a chromosomal or genetic problem
• is thought to be much smaller than usual
• needs specialist treatment during the pregnancy, such as a blood transfusion in the womb
• is likely to need specialist treatment very soon after birth