The Role of Perinatal Palliative Care in Fetal Neurology

Many serious or life-threatening neurologic conditions are first diagnosed during the fetal period, often after a routine ultrasound. This can be a difficult and unexpected finding for parents. Palliative care focuses on pain and symptom management, psychosocial support, and effective communication. It should begin as soon as a diagnosis is made, even during the fetal period. Prognostic uncertainty is challenging for prenatally diagnosed neurologic conditions. Perinatal palliative care extends beyond planning for birth and end-of-life care, and additionally includes support around communication, symptom management, and decision-making.

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  Prenatal identification of neurologic abnormalities should prompt involvement of a fetal palliative care team.
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  Palliative care provides support for families navigating complex decision-making during pregnancy and provides continuity of care into the newborn period.
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  Early palliative care team involvement can provide a more holistic approach to counseling, facilitate planning, and ensure that a family’s goals and wishes are acknowledged throughout an infant’s care trajectory.