Discharge Instructions Following Fetoscopic Surgery

Important information:

• Fetoscopic surgery is a procedure done on an unborn baby in the uterus. The procedure is minimally invasive. At the Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment several types of problems may be treated with fetoscopic surgery before birth. 

• Patients who have fetoscopic surgery may go on to have either a vaginal or cesarean delivery. Your obstetric care team will talk with you about your delivery plan based on what’s safest for you and your baby.

• The Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment will be in close contact with your referring and primary healthcare providers after the surgery.

Patient instructions:

• Limit your activities for 1-2 weeks after your surgery. Follow the instructions from your provider to gradually increase your activity after your follow-up appointment.

• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to help with constipation.

• Continue taking your prenatal vitamins every day.

• You will receive full instructions on any additional medicine you are prescribed at discharge.

• A follow-up ultrasound will be scheduled one week after your surgery. You may also be advised to obtain a follow-up echocardiogram. Call the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment if you were not given the date and time of those appointments before discharge.

• After your follow-up visit, you will likely go home and be cared for by your obstetrician for the remainder of your pregnancy. They will make decisions about how often you will have ultrasounds and prenatal care appointments for the remainder or your pregnancy.

Call your CHOP healthcare team with questions, concerns or if:

• Your incision, the cut on your stomach, is red, warm, and tender to touch, or has anything draining from it

• You have a fever of 101°F (38.5°C) or greater

• Fluid leaks from your vagina

• You have vaginal bleeding

• You have persistent back pain, cramping, abdominal tightening, or pelvic pressure

• You have chest pain or difficulty breathing

• You have changes with urination like pain or burning, blood in the urine or it has a strong, foul smell

Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment

Reviewed October 2025 by Sarah Robinson CNM, Cecelia O'Neill MSN, RNC