Craniofacial Prenatal Counseling
Contact the Craniofacial Center
What is prenatal counseling for craniofacial conditions?
During prenatal counseling, experts from Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Center meet with you before your baby is born to explain their health condition. We talk with you about the care your baby is likely to need. This can help you prepare for their birth and make informed decisions.
Most expectant parents seek counseling because an during pregnancy shows their baby has cleft lip.
We also counsel expectant parents who:
- Were told their baby might have another type of craniofacial disorder based on ultrasound findings.
- Had genetic testing that shows their baby is at risk for a craniofacial condition.
- Want counseling because they are at higher risk of having a child with a craniofacial condition. This may happen if the mother or father or another family member has a craniofacial condition.
Our Craniofacial Genetics Clinic can help families understand their chance of having a child with a craniofacial disorder.
Why choose Seattle Children’s for craniofacial prenatal counseling?
For many families, craniofacial disorders seem rare and frightening. We care for thousands of children each year with these conditions. We have offered prenatal counseling since 1997.
At your prenatal counseling visit, you will begin to meet members of the team who will care for your baby after their birth.
Our Craniofacial Center has experts in every field your child might need. More than 50 specialists work as a team to diagnose and care for our patients.
Craniofacial Care at Seattle Children's
How does prenatal counseling help my family?
Parents find it helps to have accurate, up-to-date information. Without prenatal counseling, you could have needless worry about your baby because of incomplete information. These visits allow expectant parents to discuss their questions and fears with experts on craniofacial conditions.
First, you will meet with a craniofacial pediatrician who reviews your baby’s diagnosis.
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The doctor discusses your baby’s condition and the care they will need
If your baby was diagnosed using ultrasound during pregnancy, the doctor explains the limits of ultrasound in detecting the severity of clefts and other craniofacial disorders.
If you were referred due to concerns about your baby’s head shape, a prenatal ultrasound will give us some information. But an ultrasound typically doesn’t provide enough detail for a clear diagnosis. Your child’s care team will be able to make a clearer diagnosis after your baby is born.
The doctor also talks to you about possible causes of the condition. Changes in genes cause many craniofacial syndromes. Sometimes, environmental factors like smoking increase the risk of conditions such as cleft lip and palate.
We dedicate a large portion of the visit to answering your questions.
Next, the doctor explains the care your child will likely need throughout childhood, often with a special focus on early infancy to help you prepare for your child’s birth.
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A social worker and nurse support and teach you
One of our supports you as you prepare for your baby’s birth. We will put you in touch with resources in your community.
If an ultrasound shows that your baby has a cleft lip, this increases the chance that they also have a cleft palate, which is hard to see on prenatal ultrasound. A nurse will teach you about options for feeding your baby, depending on the type of cleft they have. We will give you special bottles that will help with feeding if your baby does have cleft palate.
When parents are prepared with information on how to help their baby eat, babies are more likely to gain weight and thrive.
We’ll also explain how to set up the first clinic visit once your baby is born.
Who’s on the prenatal counseling team?
A craniofacial team pediatrician, a social worker and a nurse meet with you during your visit.
Read more about the Craniofacial Center’s team approach.
Contact Us
If you have had a prenatal diagnosis by ultrasound, ask your clinic to fax the information to us at 206-985-3121. After we review your information, we will call you to set up your appointments.
An ultrasound diagnosis is not required. You or your family doctor can contact us for an appointment.
If you live outside of Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho, please contact our coordinator for out-of-area patients at 206-987-0814.
Providers, see how to refer a patient.
Telemedicine at Seattle Children’s
You may be offered a telehealth (virtual) appointment. Learn more about telemedicine at Seattle Children's.
Paying for Care
Learn about paying for care at Seattle Children’s, including insurance coverage, billing and financial assistance.