About the Michael and Ann Ciresi Midwest Fetal Care Center
What is fetal care?
Fetal care includes the diagnosis and possible treatment of congenital conditions and abnormalities of unborn infants during pregnancy and the coordinated preparation for assessment and care after birth.
How do I know if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
If your physician sees or suspects a fetal abnormality on prenatal ultrasound, he/she may recommend further evaluation by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
What makes the Midwest Fetal Care Center different from other maternal-fetal care programs?
Midwest Fetal Care Center is the first and largest advanced fetal care program in the Upper Midwest. We understand that a high-risk pregnancy is difficult. That is why our team of experts work together to offer you and your baby unparalleled coordination of all the critical details of your care all in one location. Our unique, multidisciplinary approach throughout your pregnancy, delivery and newborn time makes our outcomes among the best in the country.
What makes our outcomes among the best in the country?
We perform our fetal interventions and surgeries at The Mother Baby Center, which combines Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s fetal, labor and delivery services with Children’s Minnesota’s neonatal program. No matter what level of care is needed, we have the best mom and baby experts in one location. For babies who need fetal surgery, the Midwest Fetal Care Center has among the highest survival rates and the lowest rates of post-operative complications. For premature babies having surgery, we have the lowest rate of surgical complications in the nation, coupled with neonatal survival outcomes that are among the best in the country.
How do I get referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Midwest Fetal Care Center for further evaluation?
Your physician can provide a referral to the Midwest Fetal Care Center or you can request to start the referral process by calling us at 855-MWFETAL (855-693-3825).
Who can help guide me through the process?
We guide you through every step of the way. In everything we do – from coordinating your appointments to possible fetal or newborn surgery – our concierge care model puts patients and family first. Fetal care coordinators provide initial contact and planning of multi-specialist consultations. Patient-dedicated fetal care clinical social workers are a continual point of contact to support families from pregnancy through neonatal care. We provide same-day and ongoing communication with your referring physician.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
During your initial visit, you will see one of our board-certified maternal fetal medicine specialists. After we complete the necessary diagnostic tests, a member of the fetal team will meet with you to explain the results of your tests, as well as the effect the condition and treatment will have on your pregnancy and your baby’s delivery. We will discuss near and long term outcomes and develop plans for pregnancy, delivery and newborn care. You will always have every opportunity to ask questions. You will also tour The Mother Baby Center, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and other areas as appropriate to you and your baby’s treatment plan.
How do you work with my OB/GYN?
At the Midwest Fetal Care Center, we are committed to ongoing communication with your referring physician. We understand care involves an entire team. We provide written documentation of your care to your referring OB/GYN provider and work with your provider to establish the best comprehensive plan for your prenatal care and delivery.
Where will I receive my care and where will I deliver my baby?
Where you deliver will be determined based on your fetal diagnosis and the availability of neonatal services at your home facility. If services are not available, your referring provider and maternal fetal medicine specialist will arrange a transfer of obstetric care, when appropriate, to the Midwest Fetal Care Center. Our team works with your OB to determine the best location for your baby’s delivery. If here, deliveries take place at The Mother Baby Center.
For patients that live out of town, your dedicated fetal care clinical social worker will meet with you and your family prior to delivery to discuss and develop a plan for where you can stay to be close to your newborn baby after you deliver. They can also assist with identifying community and state resources that may be available to you and your family.
