Fetal Board: a multidisciplinary approach to management of the abnormal fetus

A Fetal Board was established in our institution, patterned after the traditional Tumor Board, to provide prospective clinical management and comprehensive care of the pregnant woman and her abnormal fetus before, during, and after delivery. One hundred one cases qualified for registry by the Fetal Board. The diagnoses included an abnormality discovered on ultrasound evaluation from the referral source, a documented abnormal chromosomal pattern, a fetus at predictable risk for a genetic disorder, or a fetus with a known teratogenic exposure. The multidisciplinary group reviewed each case, refined the diagnoses, established management plans, and scheduled delivery timing when appropriate. The Fetal Board encouraged the collection, sharing, and comparing of information gained on abnormal fetuses before and after delivery. It also became a resource for assistance to the affected families.