This information leaflet has been produced by Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Maternity Unit to provide information to pregnant women and people who are referred to the Fetal Medicine Clinic for further investigations.
Why have I been referred to the Fetal Medicine Clinic?
The Fetal Medicine Clinic (FMU) is an outpatient clinic, staffed by highly skilled Consultants and Midwives who specialise in fetal medicine.
In the majority of cases, you will be seen at the the Fetal Medicine Clinic within the Queen Elizabeth hospital, however some conditions require referral to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The location of your appointment will be discussed with you at the time of referral.
You may be referred to the Fetal Medicine clinic if:
- An abnormality is suspected during one of your routine ultrasound scans.
- There is higher chance of your baby being born with a medical condition. This could be because you have had a high chance screening result or following the previous birth of a baby with certain conditions.
- Your baby is measuring much smaller than expected.
- If your baby needs specialist treatment during the pregnancy, such as a blood transfusion in the womb.
- Your baby is likely to need specialist treatment very soon after birth.
- Your baby needs an in-depth heart scan.
How long will it take for the Fetal Medicine Clinic to see me?
The Fetal Medicine clinic aim to see you within 3-5 working days (depending on the reason for referral). You will be contacted with an appointment by telephone and we will explain where your appointment is. Please be aware that the telephone call will be from a withheld number.
Can I bring someone with me?
One adult can accompany you to your appointment. We ask you to avoid bringing children with you as the appointment can last approximately an hour and we may need to discuss sensitive information.
What should I bring with me?
If you have handheld notes, please bring these with you. Bring a snack and some water in case there are any delays.
Where is the Fetal Medicine Clinic at the QE hospital?
We are based in the Women’s Health Clinic (where you will have had your dating scan). You can access the patient car park from the Windy Nook entrance.
Where is the Fetal Medicine Clinic at the RVI hospital?
The FMU is based on level 4 of the Leazes Wing of the RVI. There is a patient car park located to the right of the Wing entrance as you face the building.
The nearest bus stop to the Royal Victoria Infirmary main entrance is located on St Thomas Street. Bus services 16, 15, 32 and 50 run from this stop. The nearest bus stop to the Leazes Wing entrance is located on Richardson Road.
Does this mean I will now have my baby at the RVI?
The RVI may recommend you deliver with them, for instance, if your baby needs intervention straight after birth. However, they may recommend a pathway of care for your own hospital to follow, meaning you can still deliver at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. This will be assessed on an individual basis.
Contact numbers
QE Fetal Medicine Clinic: 0191 445 2742
RVI Fetal Medicine Unit: 0191 282 5837
QE Pregnancy Assessment Unit: 0191 445 8851
Useful resources
Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) – non-directive information and support before, during and after antenatal screening – https://www.arc-uk.org/
At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Maternity Unit, we advocate a shared decision-making approach to all decisions made by our patients. This leaflet aims to give you additional information and to act as a point of reference following a discussion with your obstetrician or midwife. If you are asked to make a decision about your own care please make sure you have asked all the questions you need to ask and are given the appropriate time to do so. Some questions you might want to ask could be;
- What are my options?
- What are the pros and cons of each option?
- Who will support me making the decision that is the right one for me