Welcome to the Fetal Alert Network.

Everyone hopes to have a healthy baby but sometimes there are concerns identified during a pregnancy that need to be followed closely. There may be abnormal results from bloodwork screens or ultrasound findings that suggest a baby might be born with a birth defect or genetic condition. Birth defects are conditions that arise from an error that occurs during the baby’s development. Some birth defects may be diagnosed during the pregnancy while others are discovered only at birth or as the baby grows. Some genetic and environmental factors are known to play a role in the development of some birth defects. Most often the cause of a birth defect is unknown. Genetic conditions or “syndromes” result from rearrangement of genetic material as a baby develops early on.

The Fetal Alert Network web site aims to assist mothers and their primary health care providers by offering easy access to information and resources.

Our web site offers information about:

• Birth defects, prenatal screening and diagnostic tests and therapies.
• Specific fetal diagnoses and related links and references.
• A key to finding a fetal medicine unit or genetic centre near you.
• Support services available to patients in Ontario and by Region.

For health care providers accessing our web site, we invite you to use the information presented to supplement the care that you provide to your patients. Should you need to refer your patients to a fetal medicine unit, we have provided easy access to your regional referral forms. If you need further assistance, please contact your Regional Fetal Alert Network Coordinator through our Provincial Help Line 1-866-661-7200.

Every pregnant mother is concerned about the quality of health care information she receives before, during and after pregnancy. The Fetal Alert Network shares this concern, and is therefore committed to delivering the very best information possible. The information presented here is to be used as a guide and not intended to offer specific medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique, if you have questions about your situation please speak with your health care provider. (See Terms of Use)

At the Fetal Alert Network we are committed to protecting your private medical information and using responsibility in contributing your information into the Fetal Alert Network database & Registry. Please take the time to view our policies and procedures which safeguard your health information in our “Protecting Your Health Information” section.

We welcome your comments and questions, so please take the time to complete our on-line survey.