Fetal

Spina bifida (SPY-na BI-fi-da), a Latin term that means “split spine,” is a birth defect that occurs when a section of the baby’s spinal column does not form properly. Spina bifida treatment is available at Midwest Fetal Care Center.

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition that occurs only in monochorionic pregnancies  — ones in which two or more genetically identical babies (usually twins) share the same placenta. Although all identical twins share a placenta, TTTS develops in about 10 to 15 percent of those pregnancies. The condition does not occur when the twins are non-identical (fraternal).Untreated, TTTS can be life-threatening for both babies. The donor twin may experience much slower-than-normal growth, while the recipient twin is at risk of heart failure due to the extra volume of blood. Twin to twin transfusion syndrome treatment is available at Midwest Fetal Care Center.

Congenital lung malformations (CLM) consist of a broad range of conditions that can affect a developing baby. These conditions can range from small asymptomatic cystic lung lesions to large lesions which may require treatment while your baby is still inside mom (in utero). The most common of these lesions are bronchopulmonary sequestration and congenital pulmonary airway malformation (which used to be called cystic adenomatoid malformation –CCAM). In normal development, babies will have three lobes of the lung of the right and 2 lobes on the left. Most CLM usually arise from a single lobe but, rarely, they can affect multiple lobes. If a single lobe is involved, the most common location is in the lower lobes.The diagnosis and management of these lesions can be challenging in the prenatal period. Some of these babies may require urgent fetal intervention, so a thorough understanding of the possible treatment strategies is crucial for successful management of these patients.

Omphalocele (uhm-fa-lo-seal) is a birth abnormality of the abdominal wall whereby the infant's intestines, liver, or other organs are contained within a sac that sticks outside the baby through the navel. Omphalocele treatment is available at Midwest Fetal Care Center.

Gastroschisis (gas-tro-ski-sis) occurs when a baby is born with the bowel and sometimes other organs coming through an opening in the abdomen (belly). The Midwest Fetal Care Center offers expert gastroschisis treatment and care.

The diaphragm muscle divides your chest and abdomen and it helps with breathing.

We realize that you may have a lot of questions related to you, your baby and your care, before and after your baby is born. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions by new or expectant moms and families. As always, because every case is different, please discuss your individual needs with your doctor.Your physician will provide a referral to our fetal care program and submit the necessary prenatal records. Once your information is reviewed, you will be contacted by one of our schedulers typically within 48 hours to schedule your appointment.

Sometimes, routine prenatal ultrasounds are anything but routine. If you or your doctor has a potential concern about your screening ultrasound results or any other prenatal testing, you may be referred to Midwest Fetal Care Center, a collaboration between Children's Minnesota and Allina Health, for further evaluation.