What is Prenatal Pediatrics?

The term “Prenatal Pediatrics” illustrates the principle that caring for babies with abnormalities starts before birth and continues afterwards with neonatal and long-term pediatric follow-up.

This approach requires involvement of prenatal and postnatal specialists such as perinatologists (also known as maternal fetal medicine specialists), neonatologists, pediatric cardiologists, pediatric surgeons, geneticists and physicians from all pediatric subspecialties. The philosophy of Prenatal Pediatrics is that prenatal and neonatal care, education, and research are best accomplished collaboratively. Health care professionals in multiple departments throughout Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork-Presybeterian Hospital work together to ensure the patients’ program of care encompasses all diagnostic, clinical and support services before and after birth. The Center serves as the hub of this collaboration by:
• coordinating appointments with specialists
• providing counseling
• ensuring that patients receive the best care

Central to the success of the Center is the weekly multidisciplinary Prenatal Pediatrics conference in which each patient’s unique situation is presented and discussed to develop a consistent plan for the best management of the pregnancy and newborn period.

Our patients entrust the Center to coordinate every aspect of their care.