Fetal medicine unit

The fetal medicine unit (FMU) provides screening services for all pregnant women. The unit also specialises in additional care for those who have previously had a pregnancy with fetal abnormalities or who have issues with their current pregnancy.

What we do 

1. Screening for chromosomal and fetal abnormalities
   
   • Combined test: a screening test, including a blood test and scan of the baby, for Down's, Edwards' and Pautau's syndromes. It is available to you between 11 weeks plus two days and 14 weeks plus one day of your pregnancy.
   • Quadruple test: a screening blood test for Down's syndrome. This test is available to you between 14 weeks plus two days and 20 weeks of your pregnancy, and is offered to women who have missed the combined test.
2. Diagnosis and management of fetal abnormalities – see the NHS fetal anomaly screening programme website
3. Antenatal diagnosis
   • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): a test to detect chromosomal or specific genetic disorders. It is available between 11 and 14 weeks of your pregnancy.
   • Amniocentesis: a test to detect chromosomal or specific genetic disorders. It is available from 16 weeks of your pregnancy. 
4. Ultrasound monitoring of high-risk pregnancies

Our links with other departments

The unit has close working links with both the hospital's antenatal clinic and ultrasound department, which are located next to the fetal medicine unit. It also works closely with other departments in the hospital, such as fetal cardiology, neonatology and genetics. 

Further information

• For patients – read about what to expect at your visit to the fetal medicine unit.
• For referrers – see the maternity referral page for information and our maternity referral form.