Fetal Care Program

Finding out that your baby has an unexpected complex health condition before birth can be overwhelming. The specialized, experienced providers at Banner Health’s fetal care program are here to help you through this challenging time, providing guidance and expert care for a wide range of complications. 

The fetal care program at Banner Health brings accurate, comprehensive and compassionate care to families and their unborn children. Our multidisciplinary team uses advanced diagnostic tools and innovative surgical and medical treatments, increasing the chance of survival and improving quality of life for babies with serious conditions. The compassionate, highly specialized team at Banner Health is dedicated to providing the best care for you and your baby from diagnosis through delivery and after birth. You and your family are at the center of the decision-making process and you’re involved every step of the way.

Families throughout Arizona and the Southwest turn to Banner Health’s fetal care program for its high level of care. Obstetricians (specialists in pregnancy and childbirth), maternal fetal medicine providers (specialists in high-risk pregnancies), and other providers refer patients to the program.

The program is designed to give families timely and accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. During your first visit, you will receive the appropriate diagnostic testing, followed by a multidisciplinary team meeting with your family to discuss your results. The care team provides same day diagnosis and review of available treatment options.

Why choose us?

When you choose Banner Health, you’re not only choosing a fetal care team committed to the health and well-being of you and your baby. You’re choosing a health care system that offers comprehensive care for a wide range of health conditions. 

The Banner Health fetal care program has providers with over 20 years of experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing high-risk pregnancies and fetal conditions. Our program is affiliated with the University of Arizona, internationally recognized for its research and medical training programs and is the only recognized fetal surgery center in Arizona and the Southwest. Our comprehensive care includes:

• High-risk pregnancy management and comprehensive maternal and neonatal care, with the ability to keep mom and baby under one roof
• Immediate access to the highest level of care for both mom and baby
• Comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of pediatric conditions, including complex and critically ill patients
• An extensive network of adult and pediatric specialists and subspecialists
• Facilities across the Southwest for long-term care for you and your baby

Fetal care program conditions we treat

• Bladder exstrophy (protruding through the skin) and epispadias (the opening for urine in the wrong location)
• Cleft lip/palate
• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)
• Congenital heart defects (CHD)
• Conjoined twins
• Craniofacial (face and skull) abnormalities
• Esophageal atresia (missing part of the esophagus)/tracheoesophageal fistula (abnormal connection between the esophagus and trachea)
• Fetal arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Fetal growth restriction (the unborn baby is much smaller than expected)
• Gastroschisis (intestines outside the body)
• Hydrocephalus (fluid in the brain)/ventriculomegaly (enlarged cavities in the brain)
• Hydronephrosis (urine back up in the kidneys)
• Lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO)
• Lung lesions/congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM)
• Lymphatic malformation
• Maternal conditions associated with fetal anomalies
• Myelomeningocele/spina bifida
• Omphalocele (organs protruding near the umbilical cord)
• Skeletal dysplasia (abnormal bones, joints or cartilage)
• Twin-twin transfusion syndrome

How we serve you

Our family-centered fetal care program makes difficult diagnoses and complicated pregnancies easier on mom, baby and the whole family offering connected and seamless touchpoints, including:

• A patient navigator throughout the diagnosis and treatment process
• Round-the-clock concierge-type care to meet time-sensitive needs 
• Help scheduling appointments and consultations in one day and in one location
• Emotional support, counseling and resources
• A multidisciplinary team of specialists that work together to diagnose and treat complex fetal conditions
• Coordination and communication of care with the referring physician, maternal fetal medicine, other specialists and delivery care team
• A comprehensive and personalized care plan centered around needs and preferences
• Early collaboration with local organizations that serve children with complex needs
• Assistance with insurance companies to ensure access to the best treatment options available

Testing, diagnosis and support 

The fetal care team works to consult with you and your family, diagnose your baby’s condition and support you as you make decisions and receive care. Services include:

• High-resolution 3D and 4D fetal ultrasound
• Fetal echocardiogram
• Ultrafast fetal MRI
• Prenatal testing - amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling (CVS)
• Genetic testing and screening with a genetic counselor
• Social work support
• Temporary relocation services for traveling families

Treatment options

Treatments vary based on the diagnosis, you and your baby’s overall health, how far along you are in pregnancy and other factors. 

If needed, a full range of fetal surgeries are available, from open surgery to minimally invasive procedures. Learn more about fetal surgery.

Your care team

The fetal care team has decades of experience in fetal medicine and surgery, caring for both mothers and babies. The team includes experts in:

• Pediatric surgery
• Fetal surgery
• Maternal fetal medicine
• Maternal obstetrical anesthesia
• Pediatric anesthesia
• Fetal and pediatric radiology
• Neonatology (newborn care)
• Fetal cardiology (heart care)
• Pediatric cardiothoracic (heart and lung) surgery
• Pediatric otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat)
• Pediatric neurosurgery
• Pediatric neurology
• Pediatric orthopedic (bone and joint) surgery
• Pediatric plastic surgery
• Pediatric urology
• Pediatric interventional radiology
• Pediatric vascular (blood vessel) malformations
• Nursing
• Care coordination

Connect with us

For more information or a consultation about a health condition in your unborn baby, reach out to connect with Banner Health’s fetal care team at 1-844-790-4320.