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Institute for Maternal Fetal Health

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    Maternal Fetal & Advanced Delivery Services

    Contact Us
    Talk to Our Fetal Nurse Coordinator
    (844) 433-6322
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    Holistic care for your baby before birth and beyond.

    A complex fetal diagnosis can change your pregnancy journey. That’s why our care — and the support we provide for you and your family — starts before your baby is born.

    With us, you’ll receive advanced high-risk pregnancy care in a warm, welcoming environment. Our maternal fetal medicine (MFM) experts and fetal interventionists work closely with your OB/GYN, other pediatric specialists, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors, and social workers to create a care village that’s by your side through your pregnancy and beyond.

    Healthcare Professional Performs Ultrasound on Patient

    Prenatal diagnosis and fetal imaging to guide treatment decisions.

    Clear, detailed images are the key to understanding your baby’s condition. Our skilled imaging specialists will examine your baby from head to toe. And our MFM experts and fetal interventionists have the high-level expertise to review these images and identify a wide variety of fetal conditions.

    Specially trained sonographers provide detailed fetal ultrasound, including 3-D and 4-D imaging

    Cardiologists and fetal cardiac sonographers perform a fetal echo to assess your baby’s heart

    We use rapid MRI imaging to capture detailed information about your baby’s health

    Genetic counseling offers information that can help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy

    Conditions we treat.

    Our MFM experts and fetal interventionists are here for you no matter your baby’s diagnosis. We have the expertise and experience to treat the full range of prenatal conditions — from simple to complex, common to rare.

    Conditions that develop when a baby’s abdominal muscles don’t fully close during development. This allows organs (often the intestines) to develop outside of the body. These conditions are diagnosed during pregnancy with detailed ultrasound, and babies typically need specialized care after birth.  

    Gastroschisis: A condition in which the baby’s intestines develop outside the body through an opening near the belly button. The exposed intestines can cause irritation before birth. Close monitoring is required during pregnancy, and babies need surgery soon after delivery. Most babies recover well with expert neonatal care. 

    Omphalocele: A condition where abdominal organs develop outside the body covered by a protective sac at the belly button. Surgery is required and is often done in staged repairs.

    Careful monitoring and, in some cases, fetal intervention may be offered to improve outcomes.   

    Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS): A condition in which blood flows unevenly between twins through shared placental vessels. One twin may receive too much blood and the other too little. In some cases, minimally invasive laser therapy during pregnancy can correct blood flow.  

    Selective fetal growth restriction: One twin grows more slowly than the other due to unequal sharing of the placenta. The smaller twin may not receive enough nutrients and oxygen, increasing the risk of complications. Close monitoring helps guide the timing of delivery or potential interventions.  

    Twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS): A form of blood imbalance between twins where one becomes anemic (low red blood cells) and the other becomes polycythemic (too many red blood cells). This condition may develop spontaneously or after treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. It’s monitored through specialized Doppler ultrasound and requires intervention.  

    Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence: A rare condition that occurs in monochorionic pregnancies where identical twins share a placenta. Pregnancy is closely monitored with frequent ultrasounds and requires intervention.   

    Conjoined twins: The type and complexity of this diagnosis vary widely. It requires extensive imaging and planning to determine the safest delivery approach, as well as surgical care after birth.  

    These conditions affect how a baby’s kidneys, bladder, and urinary system develop. Some are mild and only require monitoring, while others may affect kidney function and require specialized care.  

    Lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO): A blockage that prevents normal urine flow from the bladder that can affect lung growth and development. In certain cases, fetal intervention may help relieve the obstruction/blockage before birth.  

    Posterior urethral valve (PUV): Occurs when a thin piece of tissue blocks the urethra. 

    Babies with CDH require specialized care and support immediately after birth. The severity is determined by the liver position and the lung-to-head ratio (LHR) measured by ultrasound and MRI. Surgery will be planned after delivery to repair the diaphragm. 

    Areas of lung tissue that do not develop normally during pregnancy. Most are found on a prenatal ultrasound. They can be different sizes and act differently — some stay small and cause few problems, while others may grow and affect a baby’s breathing or heart. The lesions are monitored by specific measurements called CCAM Volume Ratio (CVR), which determines monitoring frequency. There are two types of lung lesions:  

    • Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) 
    • Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM)/congenital pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM)

    These conditions can block or interfere with the normal flow of the intestines before birth and often require surgery after delivery. 

    Jejunoileal atresia: A blockage in the small intestine that affects digestion and nutrient absorption.  

    Hirschprung’s disease: A condition in which the nerve cells that help move stool through the large intestine do not form or are missing. 

    Duodenal atresia: A condition in which part of the small intestine is blocked. 

    Conditions caused by changes in chromosomes that affect growth and development.

    Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome): A condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 that affects learning and physical development. 

    Trisomy 13: A rare condition caused by an extra chromosome 13, leading to serious medical challenges, including developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. 

    Trisomy 18: A condition caused by an extra chromosome 18 that affects organ development and growth. 

    Triploidy: A rare, life-threatening condition where a baby has an extra full set of chromosomes.

    Turner syndrome, 45X: A condition affecting females where one X chromosome is missing or incomplete.

    Additional Conditions

    Airway malformation:

    A condition that develops before birth when part of a baby’s windpipe or lung doesn’t form correctly.

    Bladder exstrophy:

    A rare condition where the lower abdominal wall doesn’t fully close, exposing the bladder on the lower belly. The pelvic bones are typically further apart than usual and the genitalia can be abnormal.

    Cataracts:

    A condition that causes the lens in one or both eyes to become cloudy at birth or early in life, which can affect a baby’s vision.

    Chorangioma:

    A noncancerous growth of the placenta that can affect blood flow to the baby during pregnancy.

    Cleft lip and palate disorders:

    Conditions where the tissues of the face don’t fuse normally during development, resulting in openings in the lip, roof of the mouth, or both. These conditions vary in severity.

    Cloacal abnormalities:

    Rare conditions where the urinary, reproductive, and digestive tracts don’t separate properly before birth.

    Clubfoot:

    A condition present at birth where one or both feet turn inward or downward. It needs early treatment to support normal movement.

    Colonic obstruction:

    A blockage in the large intestine that prevents stool from passing normally.

    Congenital heart defects:

    Heart problems present at birth that affect how blood flows through the heart.

    Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS):

    A rare condition where a blockage in the baby’s airway prevents normal breathing development before birth.

    Cystic fibrosis:

    A genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system by causing thick, sticky mucus to build up in the body.

    Dandy Walker malformation:

    A brain condition present at birth that affects how the cerebellum and fluid-filled spaces around the brain develop.

    Duodenal atresia:

    A blockage in the small intestine that prevents food from passing through the digestive tract.

    Fetal hydrops:

    A condition where excess fluid builds up in multiple areas of a baby’s body before birth.

    Fetal kidney differences:

    A range of conditions where one or both kidneys don’t form or function normally.

    Hand and upper extremity (and foot) differences:

    Differences in how hands, arms or feet form, potentially impacting movement or function.

    Hydrocephalus and ventriculomegaly:

    Conditions where extra fluid builds up in the brain, causing the fluid-filled spaces to enlarge.

    Hydronephrosis:

    A condition where one or both kidneys become swollen due to a buildup of urine.

    Imperforate anus:

    A condition present at birth where the anus or rectum does not develop correctly and a normal opening is not present. Surgery after birth is needed to correct this.

    Limb differences:

    Conditions where arms or legs differ in length, shape, or formation and may require orthopedic care.

    Lymphatic disorders:

    Conditions that affect the lymphatic system. This system plays a role in immunity and fluid balance.

    Lower urinary tract obstruction:

    A blockage that interferes with normal urine flow from the bladder before birth.

    Morquio syndrome:

    A rare genetic condition that affects bone growth, spine development and organ function.

    Multicystic dysplastic kidney:

    A condition where a kidney is made up of cysts and doesn’t function normally.

    Neurologic disorders:

    Conditions that affect how the brain, spinal cord or nervous system develops before birth.

    Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI):

    A rare genetic condition, sometimes called brittle bone disease, that causes bones to break easily.

    Retinoblastoma:

    A rare childhood eye cancer that begins in the retina and can affect vision.

    Sacrococcygeal teratoma:

    A tumor that develops at the base of the spine and is usually present at birth.

    Skeletal dysplasia:

    Genetic conditions characterized by abnormal bone and cartilage development leading to skeletal and growth differences. Symptoms vary by type and require ongoing care.

    Spina bifida:

    A condition where the spinal cord doesn’t close completely before birth, affecting movement and sensation.

    Tracheoesophageal fistula/esophageal atresia:

    Conditions where the esophagus either doesn’t form properly or connects abnormally to the airway.

    Umbilical cord abnormalities:

    Conditions that affect the structure or function of the umbilical cord and blood flow to the baby.

    Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR):

    A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder toward the kidneys, increasing the risk of infection.

    Diverse group meeting with healthcare professional in office

    Fetal intervention for certain conditions.

    If your baby needs a fetal intervention — a procedure before they’re born — our team provides the expertise and guidance your family needs.

    Newborn in Hospital with IV Line and Yellow Cap

    Maternal fetal care before, during, and after pregnancy.

    Our MFM experts and fetal interventionists take a collaborative approach to caring for your baby and supporting your physical and emotional well-being.

    Modern hospital patient room with medical equipment

    Advanced delivery care for complex births. 

    Our Advanced Delivery Unit offers you world-class care in a tranquil environment. Our expert obstetrical team works together to ensure your baby’s safe delivery. And, after birth, you can recover and heal just steps down the hall from your newborn.

    Explore Our Advanced Delivery Unit

    Genetic counseling can guide treatment and decision-making.

    Prenatal genetic testing can give us valuable information that helps us decide what comes next with your baby’s care. We’ll explain the test results and what they mean for your current pregnancy and any future pregnancies. We’ll also connect you with a genetic counselor who works with the pediatric subspecialists who will care for your child after birth.

    Person using tablet for flowchart
    Healthcare professional consults with two adults in office

    Resources for family support and wellness.

    Caring for a high-risk pregnancy goes beyond treating medical needs. Our psychosocial support team can help with anxiety or stress too. They also offer couples counseling. And if you need help with things like transportation, lodging, or childcare, our social workers and Child Life specialists will support you.