The Fetal Medicine Unit (FMU) is led by a team of highly skilled specialist doctors that offer diagnosis and treatment of complications which may arise in unborn babies. Midwives form part of the team within FMU and are available for specialist midwifery advice and support whilst you have care within FMU.
The FMU is a regional, national and international referral centre for fetal medicine, caring for more than 7,000 patients each year. We aim to provide the highest standard of care in a professional, calm and supportive environment.
Our internationally recognised multidisciplinary team (MDT) offer individualised care for pregnant women and their families, when there is a concern for the health of an unborn baby.
We provide rapid access to women booked within our trust and those of associated hospitals and are able to see urgent referrals as appropriate. In addition, we are always happy to discuss individual cases over the telephone with medical colleagues from other hospitals.
Location
The Fetal Medicine Unit is located on the 1st Floor of the Elizabeth Garratt Anderson Wing (EGA).
The FMU provides a comprehensive service throughout pregnancy in the diagnosis and management of all fetal conditions. Our neonatal service is a recognised centre of excellence and our close relationship with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children allow us to offer unrivalled antenatal and postnatal care.
Services are provided by a dedicated team of fetal medicine doctors and midwives to provide seamless care. The consultant team comprises of individuals who are internationally recognised as leaders in fetal medicine.
When you attend the FMU, please check in at our reception desk.
You will then be called to one of the scan rooms. Your medical and obstetric history will be taken and prior to the scan taking place you will be advised on what will be done during your scan. Once you are happy with this, the scan of your baby will commence.
After the scan, you will have the findings explained and you will be given time to ask questions. All relevant options for you will be discussed and any further appointments will be made.
UCLH is a teaching and training hospital. Therefore during your appointment, there may be several members of staff present, including the consultant, a senior trainee and the midwife running the clinic. There may also be visiting doctors, medical students and student midwives all of whom are in the process of learning. They will all introduce themselves and you should be asked whether or not you are comfortable to continue with the number of people present. If at any point you feel uncomfortable by the number of people present, please let the team know and they will accommodate your request.
Whilst every effort is made to see you on time, delays can occur due to the nature of the clinics, but you can expect to be kept informed of when you are likely to be seen.
We are aware that you may be anxious about your appointment, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our midwives.
As there is no hospital parking, the recommendation is to travel by public transport. Please leave enough time to get to your appointment. For more information on travel to our site, visit here.
As a department, we greatly support the advancement of scientific and clinical knowledge by conducting and participating in research. You will be given the choice to participate in research. All our research projects have been formally reviewed by an ethics committee. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part after listening to a team member who will discuss the study with you and provide an information leaflet.
If you decide not to take part in research it will not in any way affect the care you and your family receive.
We are currently involved in a number of research projects; details of which are on our research page.
Find out more about maternity research.
