What to Expect

Before Birth

Often, a difference of the genitals or chromosomes may be seen on a prenatal ultrasound or with prenatal genetic testing. If there is concern regarding a prenatal difference of sex development, expectant parents can be referred to the Fetal and Pregnancy Health Program and will be offered an appointment with the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Variations in Sex Traits and Anatomy (VISTA) Clinic.

Expectant parents can meet with neonatologists from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford to learn more about what to expect after birth. They will review any potential diagnostic tests and care options or recommendations. The family may also meet with prenatal genetic counselors and geneticists to discuss prenatal testing and diagnostic options, and a pediatric endocrinologist to determine if there will be any immediate medical care needs for the baby after delivery. A prenatal psychiatrist is also available to review the family’s psychosocial needs.

When a family meets with our providers, the family and team together develop an organized medical plan for pregnancy and for your baby after birth, including recommendations on the best place to deliver your baby based on their medical needs. If your baby will be delivered locally (outside of Stanford), the program will coordinate with your baby’s local doctors to communicate a recommended medical plan for your baby after birth.

After Birth and During the Newborn Period

If there is concern for a difference of sex development after birth, your baby may be examined while still in the hospital, and additional testing may be recommended. Your baby may be seen by several specialists in endocrinology, urology, genetics, gynecology, and neonatology. Our team also provides social work and psychiatry support for parents learning about their baby’s diagnosis and medical needs. Members of the VISTA Clinic will review the initial assessment and test results and discuss with you the plan for follow-up care after your family and baby are discharged from the hospital.

If your baby is healthy enough to go home soon after birth (and before test results have become available), a member of the medical team will call you with the results as soon as they are available, and we will see your baby in our outpatient clinic.

A Lifetime of Care: Older Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

If your pediatrician is concerned about the possibility of a difference of sex development in your child, he or she may request our program’s expertise by placing a referral. Your outpatient clinic visit may include appointments with specialists in the following areas:

Your child may see specialists in some or all of the areas listed above. We aim to provide a lifetime of care, knowing that the needs of your child and your family will change over time. Our program seeks to recognize the specific needs of your family and your child, and to provide individualized care to meet age- and developmental-specific needs. We also pay special attention to the young adult years to help with the transition from pediatric to adult care.