Complex Prenatal Care Program

Everyone involved in our Complex Prenatal Care Program is committed to giving every baby the best start in life. Our unique team includes every specialist that you or your baby might need. While continuously monitoring your health, we can also treat your baby from prenatal diagnosis through birth and newborn care to pediatric care. This continuum of care is not available through any other hospital system in Central Virginia. You and your baby are in good hands.

Mom and baby will benefit from:

• One care coordinator to schedule all of your appointments
• Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
• Comprehensive team of pediatric subspecialists
• Central Virginia’s only fetal cardiologist
• Virginia's only Level IV NICU with private rooms for each baby - providing the highest level of neonatology specialist care in a family-friendly environment
• State-of-the-art Labor and Delivery Unit
• Newly renovated Mother-Infant Unit

Care for Mom

Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists treat women experiencing complications such as congenital heart disease and heart failure. We also work with expectant patients to manage these pre-existing conditions:

• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Epilepsy
• Heart disease
• Hepatitis
• HIV
• Clotting disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Placenta previa
• Placenta accreta
• Multiples – triplets and higher

Meet our team of specialists:

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Susan Lanni, M.D.
Ron Ramus, M.D.
Fidelma Rigby, M.D.
Ed Springel, M.D.

Cardiology

Michael Kontos, M.D.
Roshanak Markley, M.D.
Walter Paulsen, M.D.
Krishnasree Rao, M.D.

Anesthesiology

Fatoumata Kromah, M.D.

Care for Baby

Our pediatric specialists at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU care for babies with conditions such as:

• Kidney / urological anomalies
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Heart anomalies
• Neurologic issues such as hydrocephalus, ventriculomegaly, Spina bifida
• Monochorionic twins
• Abdominal, intestinal and chest wall defects
• Cleft lip and palate or facial defects

Meet our team of pediatric specialists:

• Cardiology
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Center for Craniofacial Care
• Fetal Cardiology
• General Pediatrics
• Genetics
• Lactation Services
• Neonatal Continuing Care Program
• Neonatal Medicine
• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Newborn Nursery
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Palliative Care
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Radiology
• Spina Bifida
• Surgery (General)
• Urology
• Vascular Birthmarks/Malformations

Diagnostic testing

Our advanced technology enables us to diagnose and treat many potential health risks for you and your baby even before your baby is born.  Our state-of-the-art imaging and testing capabilities include:

• Ultrasound
• Fetal echocardiography
• Fetal and placental MRI
• Genetic testing

Additionally, we have the only pediatric 3T MRI in the region, giving us faster scans and better imagery than the more commonly used machines in Central Virginia.

Unparalleled expertise

Our team of maternal fetal medicine and neonatal medicine specialists meets twice a month to review complex pregnancies and discuss diagnoses, birth plans, birth results and pediatric treatment plans. Our Perinatal Conferences include up to 40 experts representing specialties such as: maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, pediatric nephrology, pediatric cardiology, ultrasound, social work, genetic counseling, general pediatrics and more.  Together, this group of experts carefully considers each pregnancy to map out the best course of action.  If we are monitoring your pregnancy, you and your baby will benefit from this extraordinary level of expertise, which is unparalleled in the region.

Coordinated care

We provide the highest level of care from pregnancy to birth and beyond and our care coordinator, Vickie Weatherholtz, streamlines the scheduling process for families and referring physicians.  A former NICU nurse, Vickie expertly guides families though our program.  She will schedule your appointments, answer your questions, and support you throughout your care.

Second opinions

If you have received a diagnosis and are interested in getting a second opinion, our specialists are here for you. As a leading academic medical center, our experts are among the most respected and experienced medical professionals, whose work is guided by the highest standards of care and the most current medical knowledge.  Our providers will carefully consider your pregnancy and give you the information you need, empowering you to make the best decisions for you and your baby.

When appropriate, our physicians will work with your provider, allowing you to continue to be cared for by your trusted doctor. 

Make an appointment

For questions or to schedule a consultation, please call (804) 628-8447 or email CPCP@vcuhealth.org.