The Fetal Medicine Unit (FMU) provides care for people and families with complex or high-risk pregnancies who need specialised care for either themselves or their baby.
About this service
You will be cared for by specialist doctors, sonographers and a midwife who will provide continuity of care during your pregnancy. Sometimes other team members will be asked to see you, including neonatologists (baby doctors), genetics doctors and anaesthetists.
During your labour and birth, you will be cared for by a team of midwives and doctors within the Birthing Suite.
Sometimes, we may find that it is safe for you to have normal pregnancy care after your initial appointment with us. We will tell you if that is the case and book a follow-up appointment in the right clinic for you.
You may have your ultrasounds in the Fetal Medicine Unit but see a doctor or midwife in another area of the hospital for your pregnancy care.
Who we care for
We care for people with identified risk factors in their pregnancy. Those who have had complications in a previous pregnancy will also be referred to this service.
We offer these services for free if you have a Medicare Card or an Asylum Seeker Card.
How to access this service
Your GP or the Maternity Options Team will tell you if they think you need to see us. They will send us a referral on your behalf.
Sometimes your midwife or obstetrician will ask you to go to the Fetal Medicine Unit during your pregnancy. They will send the referral for you.
What to expect
Once we receive your referral, a doctor will assess it and we’ll contact you with an appointment.
While you wait for your appointment day, you should continue to see your GP, Obstetrician or midwife for pregnancy care.
What to bring to your appointment
- Medicare card
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Any letters or correspondence from your GP
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports.
Where we’re located
Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Building 11, Level 2, Canberra Hospital.
We have directions to the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children and Canberra Hospital.
Information for referrers
Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.
Referral options:
- Phone: (02) 5124 7461
- Fax: (02) 5124 3154
- SmartForm
