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Fetal Medicine

Advances in medicine, diagnostics and genetic testing make it possible to diagnose birth defects and dangerous conditions well before a child is born. UCSF is a leader in the field of Fetal Medicine. We performed the first successful open fetal surgery in 1981 and have more experience than any institution worldwide with fetal surgery and endoscopic fetal intervention.

Our team of specialists work closely together to ensure patients receive comprehensive care, from pre-delivery procedures to long-term follow-up on you and your child. We are the only California hospital with a specialized clinic dedicated to long-term care of children with complex birth defects.

Our services (3)

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Fetal Treatment Center

Fetal Treatment Center

San Francisco / Oakland

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Fetal Cardiovascular Program

Fetal Cardiovascular Program

San Francisco / Oakland / Berkeley / Brentwood / Fairfield / Fremont / G...

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LIFE Clinic

LIFE Clinic

1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158

Awards & recognition

  • Top 10 in the nation for neonatology

  • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

Patient stories

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Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Success Story

Unborn babies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome have lifesaving fetal surgery at UCSF and are born healthy.

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Fetal Surgery Saves Boys with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Boys with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) have lifesaving fetal surgery at 17 weeks and become happy, healthy babies. Read their story.

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Fetal Surgery Saves Her Twins' Lives

A woman whose unborn babies had twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) has healthy, full-term babies after close monitoring and a fetal laser procedure.

Parents & caregivers

Join the Family Advisory Council to help make our care for kids even better.

Support services

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Child Life

Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

Family Amenities

Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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Social Services

Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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Activity Rooms

Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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Art Therapy

Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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Music Therapy Program

Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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School Program

Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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School Re-Entry Program

We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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Individual Playtime & Instruction

If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

Family Resource Center

We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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Parent Support Program

Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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Patient Relations

Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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Spiritual Care

Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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International Services

If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

Learning never stops

Our classroom and bedside classes help kids get credit and keep learning during treatment.

See our school program

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