What should I know about prenatal care?

In this episode of Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast, we focus on a crucial subject for expecting parents: prenatal care.

Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by nurse Olivia Oppel, the Clinical Coordinator at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center. Together, they provide valuable advice and insights on monitoring fetal development to help expecting parents navigate the journey to parenthood with confidence. Listen or watch the episode for answers to questions like:
• What is prenatal screening?
• What types of prenatal tests are available?
• What can an ultrasound detect, and what are the different ultrasound levels used?
• When can parents first see the fetus's anatomy during a prenatal scan?
• When are abnormalities typically detected in prenatal testing?
• Which prenatal tests involve more detailed procedures?
• When do genetic counselors typically get involved to discuss possible genetic testing?
• What factors should parents consider when choosing which prenatal tests to undergo?
• If something unusual is found during prenatal screening, what are the next steps for parents?
• What is a maternal fetal medicine specialist?
• What forms of advanced imaging can help diagnose fetal issues in utero?
• Can some conditions be treated in utero?
• Who makes up the multidisciplinary care team at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center?
• How does the team plan for delivery and post-birth care?
• Does Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center collaborate with obstetric hospitals?
• What innovations are advancing the field of fetal surgery and medicine?

Whether you’re expecting or know someone who is, this episode offers expert insights into how to navigate the excitement and unknowns of pregnancy with confidence and care.