Caring for High-Risk Moms and Babies

The Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies offers caring, comprehensive services to expectant mothers with high-risk diagnoses and obstetric concerns. Our specialized physicians work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcome for mom and baby. We are experienced in sonograms, diagnostics, consultations and pre-pregnancy counseling.

We understand the anxiety that can come with receiving a high-risk pregnancy diagnosis. No matter what condition you may be facing, we are here to help you feel at ease and walk with you each step of the way. We are fully committed to a successful, healthy pregnancy and delivery for you, your baby and your family.

You can have confidence in our expertise. We are the first – and only – facility in the Southeast United States to perform in utero surgery to repair spina bifida. We are also an American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) certified center for fetal anatomy screening and echocardiogram, as well as a center of excellence for managing patients with placenta accreta (when the placenta attaches too deeply into the wall of the uterus). As a testament to our commitment to delivering top-notch patient care, our doctors have been named a “Best Doctor” by Orlando Magazine.

Personalized Care from an Expert Team

If you have received a high-risk diagnosis due to a current medical issue or past obstetric concern, you can trust your care with us. We combine the latest technology in diagnostics and testing with leading-edge, research-backed practices to keep you and your baby safe and healthy.

We are committed to delivering a high-quality, personalized experience. Our team takes the time to get to know your medical history and put your needs and wishes first. Our experts develop an individualized treatment plan based on your unique pregnancy and desires for delivery. We are here to address your questions and get the answers you need.

The Fetal Care Center

The Fetal Care Center, part of the Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine and the Leon Pediatric Neuroscience Center of Excellence at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, provides expert care for babies diagnosed with conditions during pregnancy. Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists diagnose and treat fetal anomalies, identify birth defects and perform innovative fetal procedures, often before the baby is even born. Our specialists are committed to advancing the care of unborn babies through expanded treatment options and personalized care plans.

A Symphony of Care

"When my baby was diagnosed with spina bifida, the Fetal Care Center at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies gave me hope. Working together, like a symphony, they gave my unborn baby the best chance for a healthy future. It’s amazing that they could perform surgery on a baby, still in the womb, and basically change her entire life."

My name is Erika and this is my story

"When my unborn baby was diagnosed with spina bifida, I was scared. After learning she was a candidate for in utero surgery, it didn’t take long to decide to go ahead with the procedure. Although Ava was born 10 weeks early, she was breathing on her own and wiggling her toes. The team at the Fetal Care Center took great care of me and my daughter. I am so thankful I was able to find such great care close to home."

My name is Eva and this is my story

"My husband and I were so excited when I became pregnant with our first child. Then at 16 weeks, my AFP test results indicated a possible neural tube defect. Further tests showed that my baby daughter, Mia, had spina bifida. Doctors at the Fetal Care Center offered me the option of in utero surgery for better outcomes for my baby. I’ll never grow tired of thanking them for what they did. I look at Mia and she is perfect, and it’s because of them."

My name is Jessica and this is my story

"Everything seemed right on track when I was pregnant with my second child. Then during week 23, everything changed with an ultrasound scan. When the team at the Fetal Care Center suggested fetal surgery as an option to treat spina bifida — explaining both the benefits and risks — I said yes, that’s what I need to do. I’ve never had such great care as I did at the Fetal Care Center. Today, Parker is just like any other baby his age in so many ways."

Abdominal cerclage

This procedure helps reduce the chance of miscarriage or premature birth. Cerclage involves stitching the cervix closed.

Amniocentesis

This test uses a sample of fluid from the uterus (amniotic fluid) to check for developmental abnormalities in a growing fetus.

Cervical insufficiency management

Cervical insufficiency occurs when the cervix begins to widen (dilate) and thin (efface) before the pregnancy has reached term and the baby is fully developed. Our experts provide individualized consultation, recommendations and care for women with this condition.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Typically performed between 11 and 14 weeks gestation, this test uses a small tissue sample from the placenta to check for developmental abnormalities in a growing fetus.

Co-management of complex maternal medical conditions

Women with pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or advanced maternal age, require specialized care during pregnancy. Our experts are experienced in caring for women with multiple medical conditions during pregnancy.

Coordinated care with pediatric sub-specialists

Our team works to coordinate care with specialty providers – such as surgery, urology, orthopedics and craniomaxillofacial surgery – to seamlessly manage a wide range of fetal birth defects, including congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cleft lip and club foot.

Coordinated care with neonatologists

We work to seamlessly integrate care with our neonatologists for a smooth transition of care after you deliver your baby. Our experts in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are ready to handle any complications that may arise and deliver top-notch care to your baby.

Diabetes management and nutritional counseling

Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Women with the condition should adhere to a specialized diet and maintain healthy blood sugar levels so that their baby develops properly, and to avoid complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery.

Fertility assistance

Couples who have faced problems getting or staying pregnant can benefit from our fertility assistance expertise. We work closely with reproductive endocrinologists throughout Central Florida to offer consultations to those planning fertility treatment.

Fetal anatomy screening

Typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks gestation, this level 2 ultrasound takes a detailed look at your developing baby to ensure all anatomy and body systems are developing appropriately. We are an American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) certified center in fetal anatomy screening.

Fetal antenatal testing

We offer a comprehensive suite of antenatal (prenatal) testing to meet your needs, including non-stress testing and biophysical profile.

Fetal echocardiogram

Often performed between 18 and 24 weeks gestation, this test allows your specialist to obtain a detailed look at the structure and function of your baby’s heart. We are an American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) certified center in fetal echocardiogram. If a heart condition is detected, we partner with the Fetal Cardiac Program at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and provide continued care at the Heart Center once your baby is born.

Fetal growth conditions (fetal growth restriction)

Sometimes, babies are smaller than expected on ultrasound and require additional monitoring. Our team will closely supervise their care and help make decisions for delivery when the time comes.

First-trimester screening

Typically performed between 11- and 14-weeks gestation, this screening checks your baby’s risk of carrying the chromosome for Down syndrome or trisomy 18.

Genetic counseling

Our specialists use information and tests about you and your partner’s medical and family histories to determine the risk of your future baby developing certain genetic conditions.

Management of complex genetic conditions

Whether diagnosed before or after birth, our team can help effectively manage complex genetic conditions that affect growth, development and function in babies.

Maternal cardiac care program

We provide multidisciplinary care with an expert cardiology team to manage expectant moms’ complex heart disease before delivery and to help reduce their chances of heart-related complications during labor and delivery.

Maternal fetal medicine consultation

If you have been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy condition or have had complicated pregnancies in the past, a consultation with one of our maternal fetal medicine physicians can help you better understand your current situation and how to manage your conditions. We work closely with your obstetrician to help ensure optimal treatments.

Nuchal translucency screening

Also known as NT screening, this specialized ultrasound can help your specialist determine if your baby may have a chromosomal condition such as Down syndrome.

Palliative care

Our palliative services team provides comprehensive, holistic support for families of babies and children facing complex or life-threatening illness. Our experienced team can help your family navigate difficult decisions, circumstances and grief during this challenging time.

Placenta accreta diagnosis and management

We are a Center of Excellence for managing patients with placenta accreta, a serious condition that occurs when the placenta attaches too deeply into the wall of the uterus. Our multidisciplinary team for managing this complex condition includes obstetric surgeons, gynecologic oncologists and trauma specialists.

Preconception counseling

Our specialist review conditions that may affect a planned pregnancy and determine a plan before you conceive, so you can begin your pregnancy in the best possible health.

Pregnancy loss evaluation and treatment

Women who have lost prior pregnancies or who have a current condition during pregnancy that increases their risk of pregnancy loss may benefit from pregnancy loss evaluation and treatment.

Prematurity risk evaluation and treatment

Women who have previously delivered before term or who have a current condition during pregnancy that increases their risk of premature delivery may benefit from prematurity risk evaluation and treatment.

Distance(Use My Location)		Wait Time
Bayfront Health Emergency Room - Pinellas Park	Directions	4 min
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg	Directions	174 min
Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital	Directions	41 min
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children	Directions	15 min
Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital	Directions	16 min
Orlando Health Emergency Room - Blue Cedar	Directions	27 min
Orlando Health Emergency Room - Four Corners	Directions	17 min
Orlando Health Emergency Room - Lake Mary	Directions	12 min
Orlando Health Emergency Room - Osceola	Directions	22 min
Orlando Health Emergency Room - Randal Park	Directions	1 min
Orlando Health Emergency Room - Reunion Village	Directions	4 min
Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital	Directions	10 min
Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center	Directions	3 min
Orlando Health South Lake Hospital	Directions	4 min
Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital	Directions	51 min
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital	Directions	2 min

Maternal Fetal Medicine