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Fetal disorders

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Overview

About one in 33 babies in the U.S. is born with a birth defect, ranging from the mild to the severe. Our ability to detect fetal problems before birth has advanced rapidly over the last few decades. While most birth defects are best treated after the child is born, an increasing number of conditions can be treated before birth to prevent devastating consequences. Generally, these are simple anatomic problems that cause ongoing damage to the developing fetus.

Under the direction of Dr. Michael Harrison, UCSF was the first in the world to successfully perform open fetal surgery in 1981. Currently, we have more experience with fetal surgery and endoscopic fetal intervention — less invasive interventions that allow us to avoid making an incision in the uterus — than any other institution worldwide. Some of the conditions that may be considered for fetal treatment are listed below.

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child's doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child's provider.

Where to get care (2)

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Fetal Treatment Center

Fetal Treatment Center

San Francisco / Oakland

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General Surgery Clinic

General Surgery Clinic

San Francisco / Oakland / Brentwood / Fremont / San Ramon / Walnut Creek

Our research initiatives

Awards & recognition

  • Top 10 in the nation for neonatology

  • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

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