Fetal care

Specialists at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital provide care for children with complex or rare fetal and congenital conditions. We use advanced technology to diagnose and monitor fetal conditions.

This includes:

• Amniocentesis
• Blood tests
• Fetal MRI
• Genetic screening and diagnostic tests
• Ultrasound

Your care team takes the time to explain your child’s diagnosis and answer your questions – big and small. Then, your care team delivers care that’s right for you and your baby.

Certified prenatal genetic counselors work closely with MFMs to evaluate the likelihood of genetic conditions in current or future pregnancies. If you choose to see a genetic counselor, we start by talking about your family history, risks and any conditions you may be concerned about. Your genetic counselor takes the time to explain your options for genetic testing and can recommend testing that is right for you and your family.

You may need MFM care during your pregnancy if you have a health condition, experience complications during pregnancy, or have had complications during a pregnancy in the past. Throughout your pregnancy, your care team monitors your health and your baby’s health to detect any potential concerns as quickly as possible so that treatment can begin immediately. Learn more about maternal-fetal medicine at Ascension St. Vincent.

Doctors and critical care teams at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital deliver advanced care for even the smallest and most fragile young patients. Our Level IV NICU in Indianapolis and Level III NICU Evansville provide care for critically ill newborns and those born prematurely. Our experienced on-site neonatologists provide care 24/7. Here, your child and family will have the support of an entire children’s hospital.

Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis has a dedicated neonatal transport team to bring critically ill babies directly to our Level IV NICU – whether by ambulance or helicopter – to receive the highest level of neonatal care. Guided by a neonatologist, our NICU transport team includes experienced neonatal nurses and respiratory therapists who have the specialized skills and advanced technology needed to care for babies while they are being transported.

If your child needs surgery, a highly experienced and multidisciplinary team of surgeons provides the most advanced care for your child. Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital has a Level I Children's Surgical Program in Indianapolis – the highest level of pediatric surgical care. This means babies born with complex congenital conditions who need surgical care are connected to our highly experienced pediatric specialists and surgeons who treat congenital anomalies.

OB navigators
Having a care team that understands you is important. Your OB birth designer at Ascension St. Vincent helps you understand your choices and decide on your preferences to personalize your birth experience. Support services are provided at no cost to you and include:

• Childbirth and childcare classes
• Coordinated care and appointments for high-risk pregnancy
• Planning for a personalized delivery experience

To schedule an appointment with a birth designer, call 317-338-2229 (Monday through Friday).

Maternal and fetal medicine (MFM) nurse navigators
When things get more complex, there is a specialized set of nurse navigators who can help walk you through your care.

Pediatric nurse navigators
At Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, you’ll be connected with a pediatric nurse navigator to help coordinate appointments with pediatric specialists.