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Maternal Fetal Medicine

The Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) Team – Royal Hospital for Women

The MFM team cares for pregnant women when there are concerns about their baby's wellbeing or their own health during pregnancy.

Our team is made up of doctors and midwives who specialise in complex pregnancies. We also work with other experts, like paediatric doctors, genetic counsellors, and social workers, to make sure you get the right support. We help families understand what is happening with their baby and what choices they have. This can be a worrying and unexpected time, and our team of experts are here to give you clear information and caring support.

What to expect

If there are concerns about your baby, you will usually have a detailed ultrasound scan. You will then have plenty of time to talk with our doctor about what the scan showed.

If there are concerns about your own health, you will usually meet with a doctor and a midwife. You may also see other specialists if needed.

Who we are

Our team includes specialist obstetric doctors, midwives, and genetics counsellors. We also work closely with teams from the Sydney Children's Hospital and our social work team.

During your pregnancy, you may see several different specialists to make sure you and your baby get the best care possible. Our team will help organise your appointments and support you every step of the way.

Our Specialist Doctors

  • Dr. Antonia Shand (Head of Department) - FRANZCOG DDU MMed (Clin Epi) CMFM

  • Dr. Daniel Challis - FRANZCOG DDU CMFM

  • Prof. Alec Welsh - MSc PhD FRANZCOG DDU CMFM

  • Dr. Willem Gheysen - FRANZCOG DDU CMFM 

  • Dr. Rita Ferraz Caldas - FRANZCOG

Our Services

Genetic Testing During Pregnancy

These tests check if a baby has a chromosomal or genetic condition.

  • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) – usually done between 11–14 weeks of pregnancy Learn more

  • Amniocentesis – usually done after 15 weeks of pregnancy Learn more

Fetal Procedures – NSW Fetal Therapy Centre

The Royal Hospital for Women is home to the NSW Fetal Therapy Centre, which offers specialised procedures for babies during pregnancy. These include:

  • Laser treatment for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

  • Blood transfusions for the baby in the womb

  • Fetal shunt placements

These procedures are carried out by experienced specialist doctors, supported by our full team involved in your care.

Research and Innovation

Our MFM and Genetics teams are involved in research to help improve care and outcomes for mothers and babies. Taking part in any research study is always your choice and will only happen with your permission.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your visit may include:

  • A detailed ultrasound of your baby

  • A review of previous scans and blood tests

  • A meeting with a specialist doctor and midwife

  • Genetic counselling if needed

  • Discussions with other specialists

  • Planning of your next steps and follow-up care

Appointments usually take around 60-90 minutes.

MFM Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)

We offer a Midwifery Group Practice for some families with complex pregnancies. This means you will have the same team of specialist midwives looking after you throughout your pregnancy, birth and the early weeks with your newborn.

Your MGP midwife works closely with our specialist doctors and wider care team to give you personalised, consistent support and clear information every step of the way.

How to book an appointment? (for patients)

Your midwife or doctor who looks after your pregnancy care will refer you to us. They will call us to talk about your situation and book an appointment if it is the right next step for you. We will then call you to discuss your referral and email you with appointment details.

How to refer my patient? (for GPs)

eReferrals

Maternal Fetal Medicine only accepts eReferrals. Please see: https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/directory/electronic-referrals

HealthLink eReferrals are integrated with multiple software programs, including Medical Director, Best Practice, Genie, Medtech Evolution, Shexie Platinum and Zedmed. These Smartforms integrate with GP practice systems to streamline the completion and submission of electronic referrals. There is no charge for use of eReferrals. SmartForms can be launched directly from practice management software.

Referrers who do not have access to these systems can access SmartForms via the HealthLink Portal. A HealthLink account is required.

User Guide for accessing and completing eReferrals:

Referral Criteria

A valid referral for Medicare billing purposes needs to be:

  1. Written to a named Doctor within the clinic
  2. Signed and dated by referring practitioner including their provider number and place of practice
  3. Include length of referral (unless it is a 12-month referral)

Referrals must include all previous ultrasounds, antenatal booking bloods and other relevant pathology. Referrals will be rejected from the clinic if there is insufficient information provided. 

To discuss the referral please call the MFM referral phone on (+61) 437 537 448 (Monday - Friday 09:00-16:00). This number is for clinicians to discuss referrals only and is not for general enquiries.

How to refer my patients? (for specialists)

Please complete the referral form and fax it to (02) 9382 6038 or email to SESLHD-maternalfetalmedicineRHW@health.nsw.gov.au. 

Referral Criteria

A valid referral for Medicare billing purposes needs to be:

  1. Written to a named Doctor within the clinic
  2. Signed and dated by referring practitioner including their provider number and place of practice
  3. Include length of referral (unless it is a 12-month referral)

Referrals must include all previous ultrasounds, antenatal booking bloods and other relevant pathology. Referrals will be rejected from the clinic if there is insufficient information provided. 

To discuss the referral please call the MFM referral phone on (+61) 437 537 448 (Monday - Friday 09:00-16:00). This number is for clinicians to discuss referrals only and is not for general enquiries.

Approximate cost

This is a public hospital clinic and if you have a valid Medicare card your visit will be Bulk Billed.

If you do not have a valid Medicare card, a fee will be charged on arrival. (Please contact reception for a schedule of charges).

If you are from a country which has a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement, you will not need to pay for your appointment. If this applies, we may ask to see a copy of your visa and passport.