Ariana

Pediatric Cardiac Care at Birth and Beyond

We provide a continuum of care for your baby’s heart condition before and after birth.

An unexpected diagnosis during pregnancy can turn your world upside down. Coming to a place where you and your baby will get the advanced care you need can help.

Cardiac specialists at the Fetal Heart Institute of South Florida diagnose and treat heart conditions during pregnancy and continue to provide treatment to patients throughout childhood.

What to Expect When You Visit the Fetal Heart Institute of South Florida

A nurse navigator will help coordinate all your care. They connect you with all the cardiac specialists your baby may need and help you set up appointments.

During a visit with our fetal and pediatric cardiologists, we’ll review your primary obstetrician’s test results and perform a new fetal echocardiogram (echo). This is an ultrasound to see images of your baby’s heart.

You will then meet with a fetal cardiologist who will explain the results in detail to help you understand your baby’s condition and decide on a treatment plan.

If we know your baby will need heart surgery soon after delivery, you will also meet with our pediatric heart surgeons as part of your prenatal care. They will be part of your care team throughout your pregnancy. The entire team meets monthly to review your baby’s progress and, if needed, update your delivery plan.

Our goal is for you to leave your first appointment with a plan and peace of mind. 

Collaborative Care Every Step of the Way

If your baby has additional health conditions, your nurse navigator will facilitate meetings with our Fetal Care Center specialists. They will help plan your delivery and the treatment for your baby after birth in close collaboration with the fetal cardiac team.

We understand the difficult emotions you may have while navigating the reality of an unexpected cardiac diagnosis. That is why we offer a range of supportive services for you and your family. Your nurse navigator can connect you with the practical, emotional, and spiritual assistance you may need during this challenging time. 

Pediatric Cardiac Treatment After Birth

Depending on your baby's diagnosis, they may require surgery immediately after birth. Our pediatric heart surgeons perform all types of complex heart surgery on newborns, to include:

Some babies do not require surgery or need it right away. In such cases, we may use medication or other treatments to manage their conditions.

Planning for a High-Risk Pregnancy

We encourage moms to deliver at Memorial Regional Hospital’s Family Birthplace because it is steps away from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. While you are recovering from delivery, your baby will be nearby in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) or the Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which provide the highest level of critical care for seriously ill newborns. For families in need, our Conine Clubhouse, which is next door to the children's hospital, may be able to offer complimentary accommodations.

Continuum of Pediatric Cardiac Care 

At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Heart Institute, we can provide all the heart treatments your child needs for as long as they need it. As your child grows and develops, our pediatric cardiology team follows their progress through childhood, adolescence, and even adulthood.

Learn more about our comprehensive pediatric cardiac care

Ariana’s Fetal  Heart Care Journey

Ariana’s Fetal  Heart Care Journey