Before Surgery at The Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment

These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients who are scheduled for surgery at the Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment.

Patient Instructions:

Diet

It is normal to feel nervous or emotional the night before surgery. Try to eat a good dinner and drink plenty of fluids to nourish both yourself and your baby.

Do not eat any food, including gum or hard candy, after midnight. You may have clear liquids such as water, apple juice, or sports drinks until the time your team told you.

Take any medicine approved by your provider with small sips of water.

Antibacterial soap

Shower thoroughly before the surgery and use the provided antibacterial soap to wash your belly and pubic area. Take a clean washcloth and cover it with about one third of the liquid soap. Wash your belly and pubic area well and then rinse and repeat 2 more times.

Jewelry and valuables

Remove all jewelry before your surgery, including any piercings. Please do not bring your valuables or jewelry to the hospital with you.

Parking and location

Plan to arrive on theGarbose Family Special Delivery Unit (SDU)at the time you were instructed. Please allow extra time to park in order to arrive on time. Check the CHOP parking site for up-to-date information on parking options. The Special Delivery Unit is on the 6th floor of the Main Building. Ring the doorbell, the marked silver button to the left of the double doors, to enter the Special Delivery Unit. Once inside, the SDU team will direct you to a patient room.

On the Special Delivery Unit

When you get to your room, you will change into a patient gown. Your team will ask you questions about your medical history and will start an IV. Bloodwork will be taken if needed. Your nurse will give any required medicines before surgery.

We look forward to caring for you on the Special Delivery Unit.

Contact your CHOP healthcare team with any questions or concerns.

Reviewed on May 4, 2023, by Shawnese Duren, MSN, CRNP/CNM, RNC-OB