Fetal Therapeutic Procedures

Based on the results of certain prenatal tests, your physician may recommend a fetal therapeutic procedure to treat the condition affecting your baby. Below are some of the procedures our Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists perform at the Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment Center at Johns Hopkins.

Amnioinfusion

This procedure is performed when the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is severely decreased (severe oligohydramnios) or when there is absent amniotic fluid (anhydramnios). Adding fluid makes it easier for us to see the potential problems with the baby. This test is also used to evaluate for Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM), a serious complication that usually results in an early delivery.

Fetal stent placement

This procedure is performed when there is a severe renal/urinary abnormality in the fetus in order to drain the fetal bladder and obtain a fetal urine sample for testing. Stents can also be used to drain extra fluid from the fetal chest.

Intrauterine transfusion

This procedure is done using ultrasound guidance to place a small needle through the mother’s abdomen into a small fetal blood vessel. Blood, platelets, or medications can be administered to the fetus through this technique.