Fetal medicine unit

Our Fetal Medicine Units (FMUs) at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital serve a diverse, multicultural local population of 1.1 million. These units are run by teams of highly skilled subspecialist doctors who provide individualised care for pregnant women and their families when there are concerns about the health of their unborn baby.

In 2012, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital was designated the Lead Centre for Specialist Children’s and Neonatal Surgery in North West London. Our vision is to provide world-class children’s services and be at the forefront of innovation in child health by integrating care, research and education into clinical services.

Our state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Chelsea is also the regional referral centre for both in-utero and ex-utero transfers, and one of the leading Level 3 neonatal units in the UK. Our renowned consultants and experienced specialist midwives provide a high standard of care in a calm, supportive environment. For urgent referrals, we offer appointments within 1–2 working days, and we are always happy to discuss a referral over the phone to ensure an appropriate appointment is arranged.

Women referred to either of our units can expect to be scanned by one of our fetal medicine consultants using the latest ultrasound equipment. Women and their families are counselled before the ultrasound scan, and any findings are discussed in detail, with ample opportunity to ask questions. Before leaving the unit, a clear plan for ongoing care will be in place.

What we offer

The FMUs provide comprehensive services throughout pregnancy for the diagnosis and management of all fetal conditions. As the Lead Centre for Specialist Children’s and Neonatal Surgery in North West London, with a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and close links to the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, we offer a full range of services.

We also provide an integrated Fetal Cardiology Unit, under the direction of Professor Carvalho (Royal Brompton Hospital), and dedicated joint Fetal Medicine-Genetics, Fetal Medicine-Paediatric Surgery (including Paediatric Orthopaedics and Paediatric Respiratory), and Fetal Medicine-Paediatric Urology clinics. These services are delivered by a dedicated team of fetal medicine doctors and midwives who provide excellent care. 

The FMU diagnoses and manages:

• Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome
• Genetic conditions
• Structural fetal defects
• Fetal conditions requiring surgical follow-up after birth
• Significant fetal cardiac anomalies
• Fetal growth restriction, using ultrasound doppler examination
• Twin and higher multiple pregnancies
• Pregnancies affected by red cell antibody incompatibility
• Prenatal diagnostic and therapeutic invasive procedures, including chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, amniodrainage, feticide, intrauterine blood transfusion, pleurocentesis, insertion of fetal shunts, etc  

What to expect from your appointment

When you arrive at the FMU, please check in at the reception desk. You will then be called to one of the ultrasound scan rooms. Your medical and obstetric history will be taken, and you will be advised about what to expect during your scan. Once you are comfortable, the scan of your baby will begin. After the scan, the findings will be explained, and you will have time to ask questions. All relevant options will be discussed, and any further appointments will be made.

Both Chelsea and Westminster and West Middlesex hospitals are renowned teaching and training hospitals. During your appointment, there may be several staff members present, including the consultant, a senior sub-specialty 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 introduce themselves, and you will be asked whether you are comfortable with the number of people present. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, please inform the team, and they will accommodate your request.

While every effort is made to see you on time, delays can sometimes occur due to the nature of the clinics. We will do our best to keep you informed. We understand that you may feel anxious about your appointment, so if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our midwives.

Fetal medicine subspecialist consultants

Our subspecialist consultants are experts in maternal and fetal medicine, specialising in advanced prenatal care. They are skilled in fetal ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis, and invasive procedures such as CVS and amniocentesis. Their areas of focus include high-risk pregnancies, multiple pregnancies, fetal growth restriction, and fetal cardiac anomalies. Many lead specialised clinics, such as Fetal Medicine-Genetics and Fetal Medicine-Paediatric Urology. In addition to their clinical roles, they are involved in research and education, contributing to advancements in areas like placental health and prematurity.

Fetal medicine midwives

Our midwifery team supports women and their families through antenatal screening programmes and addresses any concerns regarding the unborn baby’s health. The fetal medicine midwives provide information and guidance throughout your referral to the FMUs, offering ongoing support after appointments, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and assisting with birth planning. Some families receive postnatal follow-up care as part of our individualised approach.

External resources

• Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC)
• Miscarriage Association
• Down’s Syndrome Association
• Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS)
• Twins Trust

Contact information