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Fetal Cardiovascular Program

At UCSF Health, we care for some of our tiniest patients before they're even born. Our Fetal Cardiovascular Program is one of the top programs of its kind, known for its leadership in diagnosing and treating fetal heart conditions. Doctors across the U.S. often consult our experts for help with the most complex cases.

Our diagnostic service is among the largest in Northern California and uses the latest imaging technologies. In fact, we're one of the few programs with the tools and expertise to perform detailed fetal heart evaluations as early as 12 weeks of pregnancy. This allows us to diagnose a wide range of disorders (including problems with the heart's structure, function or rhythm) as early as possible.

If we discover a heart condition, our doctors may manage your care themselves or work closely with other fetal and pediatric heart specialists at UCSF. When treatment shouldn't wait, we offer advanced in utero therapies.

Should your child need surgery, they'll be in expert hands – our heart surgery outcomes are among the best in the country. To learn more, explore our outcomes data for newborns and children.

Our program is a collaboration between UCSF's state-of-the-art Pediatric Heart Center and our Fetal Treatment Center, a world leader in diagnosing and addressing birth defects before delivery. We're also part of the Neonatal Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, where specialized intensive care leads to better outcomes for newborns with heart conditions. This means you can get the full spectrum of care – fetal heart care, maternal care, delivery and pediatric heart care – in one place. 

Learning that your baby has a heart condition can be overwhelming. Rest assured: From the moment of diagnosis through the critical newborn period and beyond, we'll be with you every step of the way. Our team offers expert support, including counseling, education and connections to helpful resources. We will do everything possible to help your family thrive.

Our locations (14)

    Explore what we do

    Fetal cardiology nurse makes record-breaking swim

    Learn how her experiences caring for babies with critical needs helped one of our nurses develop the skills to achieve a challenging feat.

    Pioneering new ways to help kids with heart defects

    Before repairing a complex defect, our surgeons can plan the best approach using an exact replica of the patient's heart.

    Highlights of our heart care

    Research-led care

    Through research, our team is changing what’s possible in fetal heart care. That means your family benefits from the most state-of-the-art treatments available.

    Surgical precision

    We create a 3D replica of the patient's heart to help surgeons plan complex procedures with greater accuracy.

    Next-gen DNA testing

    We offer whole genome sequencing – the most comprehensive genetic test available – to uncover hidden causes of heart conditions, allowing us to determine the best treatment.

    Specialized newborn care

    To improve outcomes for infants with heart conditions, our intensive care nursery includes a center dedicated to their care: the Neonatal Cardiovascular Center of Excellence.

    Local support

    You don't have to stay in San Francisco to be our patient. We coordinate with your obstetrician, so most of your pregnancy care can be provided locally.

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

      Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Cardiology and Heart Surgery, 2024-2025

      Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery

    • fetal heart ultrasounds performed each year

    Related clinics (11)

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    Arrhythmia Center

    Arrhythmia Center

    San Francisco / Oakland

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    Cardiology Clinic

    Cardiology Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Berkeley / Brentwood / Eureka / Fairfield / Fr...

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    Cardiothoracic Surgery Program

    Cardiothoracic Surgery Program

    San Francisco / Oakland

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    Cardiovascular Genetics Center

    Cardiovascular Genetics Center

    San Francisco / Oakland / Modesto

    Healthy Hearts & Minds Program

    Healthy Hearts & Minds Program

    675 18th St, Second Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94107

    2

    Interventional Cardiology Program

    Interventional Cardiology Program

    San Francisco / Oakland

    Single Ventricle Comprehensive Program

    Single Ventricle Comprehensive Program

    744 52nd St., Third Floor
    Oakland, CA 94609

    fetal-treatment-center-320x320-2x 2

    Fetal Treatment Center

    Fetal Treatment Center

    San Francisco / Oakland

    4

    Heart Failure & Transplant Program

    Heart Failure & Transplant Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Modesto

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    Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

    Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

    San Francisco / Oakland

    2

    Single Ventricle Home Monitoring Program

    Single Ventricle Home Monitoring Program

    San Francisco / Oakland

    Support services

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    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.

    Our research initiatives

    Decorative Caduceus

    Slow Heart Registry of Fetal Immune-mediated High Degree Heart Block

    Recruiting

    More about this study
    Decorative Caduceus

    Fetal Cerebrovascular Autoregulation in Congenital Heart Disease and Association With Neonatal ...

    The NeoNatal Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS-II) examines the neurobehavioral organization, neurological reflexes, motor development - active and passive tone, and signs of stress and withdrawal of the at-risk and drug-exposed infant

    Recruiting

    More about this study
    See all clinical trials

    Staff superheroes

    It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a window washer! Dressed as a superhero to clean and brighten your day.

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