The Fetal Diagnosis Service assists individuals and their families when an abnormality has been detected on a prenatal ultrasound exam.
It is important that families facing this situation have the support and information they need to understand the clinical concerns with their fetus, and how best to manage it.
The Fetal Diagnosis Service team works together to provide:
- Rapid and accurate diagnosis of fetal abnormalities
- Additional consultations and diagnostic procedures, as required
- Discussion of possible treatments, and risks and benefits of options
- Development of a care plan for the duration of the pregnancy, including possible fetal treatments and, when appropriate, a care plan for the delivery
- Counselling and emotional support
- Referral for management of care when a woman requests termination of pregnancy
Please bring your BC Care Card and a piece of photo ID to your appointment.
Each patient will have a detailed ultrasound exam to confirm or rule out the suspected abnormality. They may also have a fetal echocardiogram to take a detailed look at the fetal heart. In addition, we will collect information about the patient's family, pregnancy and medical history to allow for a complete assessment of the possible cause of any abnormalities.
The clinical team will review the information from the ultrasound and histories and discuss the results with the patient and their support person(s).
The Fetal Diagnosis Service team works with the family to plan the next steps. We may offer additional tests or consultations with other specialists.
Our goal is to ensure that patients and their families receive as much information as they need and that we answer all questions as completely as possible.
We hold clinics from Monday to Thursday, except on statutory holidays.
You may have three or more appointments on the day of your assessment, and you should expect to be at the hospital until the late afternoon. There is a chance that you may need additional appointments that could take place the following day.
Maternity Ambulatory Program (desk #10)
Entrance 93
BC Women’s Hospital Main Entrance
4500 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 3N1
Phone: 604-875-2848
Fax: 604-875-3484
