Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has announced the opening of a new antepartum unit within its Fetal Care Center. The unit, featuring seven state-of-the-art private rooms, is dedicated to providing short- and long-term inpatient care for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies due to complex fetal diseases.

Enhancing Maternal and Fetal Healthcare

Foong-Yen Lim, Surgical Director at Cincinnati Children’s Fetal Care Center, emphasizes the strategic placement of these rooms in the hospital. This layout ensures that pregnant women receive the highest quality of care and have easy access to sophisticated fetal surgeries leading up to birth. The antepartum unit is specifically designed to prolong pregnancies, thereby reducing risks and improving outcomes for the babies.

A Second Home for Expectant Mothers

The unit is thoughtfully crafted to offer a comforting ‘second home’ for mothers while addressing their medical needs. It includes private rooms, a procedure room, and an ultrasound room. Comprehensive services and subspecialty care are provided to mothers and their babies at an inpatient level.

Unique Collaboration and Comprehensive Care

Cincinnati Children’s stands out as the only pediatric hospital in the region with an inpatient unit devoted to pregnant mothers whose fetuses require complex care. The hospital collaborates continuously with maternal-fetal medicine specialists from TriHealth and UC Health. This collaboration, alongside experts in fetal imaging, fetal surgery, and neonatology, ensures seamless care for patients at every step.

CenteringPregnancy Program and Nurturing Support

The CenteringPregnancy program offers prenatal care and education in a supportive group environment, specifically tailored for mothers dealing with fetal anomalies. Experienced nurses and child life specialists guide mothers through various topics, including breastfeeding, stress management, and challenges associated with high-risk pregnancies. This nurturing space fosters a community of understanding and support for expecting mothers.

Medical Director’s Vision for the Future

Mounira Habli, Medical Director of the Fetal Care Center, highlights the new prenatal medical interventions and technologies available at the center. These advancements offer hope for babies who previously had limited options. The care provided at the Fetal Care Center is expected to significantly improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Unmatched Level of Care and Support

Families from across the country and around the world seek the Fetal Care Center for its unmatched level of care and family-centered support. Specialized fetal care nurse coordinators develop personalized programs to support patients and their babies, starting from prenatal counseling and extending well beyond childbirth.

The new antepartum unit at Cincinnati Children’s Fetal Care Center marks a significant advancement in maternal and fetal healthcare. It represents a commitment to providing specialized care for high-risk pregnancies and reflects the evolving landscape of prenatal and neonatal medicine. The integration of advanced medical technology with compassionate, patient-centered care exemplifies the future of maternal healthcare.

  Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Foong-Yen Lim, Mounira Habli, USA