Some conditions that may require corrective surgery in the newborn can be detected early in the pregnancy by prenatal ultrasound or testing. Examples of these include congenital diaphragmatic hernia, lung malformations such as cysts or sequestrations, abdominal wall defects such as gastroschisis and omphalocele, and some tumors. If such a condition is identified prenatally, the obstetrician can refer the parents for counseling with a neonatologist and a pediatric surgeon. Discussion with a pediatric surgeon can help a family to understand the anticipated surgical care issues and to ease some of the stress associated with knowing their unborn child has a surgical problem.

The Oakland Medical Center has a multidisciplinary team to provide parents with information and to provide immediate and coordinated care for babies born with conditions requiring corrective surgery. The High Risk Obstetrical Service and the state-of-the-art Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provide care to pregnant women and their newborn babies delivered at the Oakland Medical Center. Labor and delivery and post partum are in close proximity to the NICU. In addition, the NICU is a regional referral center caring for critically ill newborns or those requiring specialized surgical care brought to Oakland by a dedicated, highly-trained Neonatal Transport Team. Transfers are accepted from throughout Northern California.