Fetal Therapy Professional Resources

Referring a patient outside your care is an act of trust. We take this responsibility very seriously and welcome a partnership with you to confirm your patient's diagnosis, establish a care plan based on that diagnosis, and communicate regularly with you about your patient's treatment. We’ve developed a variety of resources designed to give you and your patients all the information and support you need.

If you have any questions about these resources, training opportunities, or ways we can help your patients, please don’t hesitate to reach us by phone or by using our online contact form.

From the Start: CFDT Conference 2024

May 2 - May 4, 2024, HUB Auditorium, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

This three-day conference will enhance knowledge in maternal-fetal care and overall pregnancy outcomes, particularly as it relates to fetal intervention and maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. Special focus will be placed on prenatal imaging and diagnosis of fetal conditions, as well as the nuances of these conditions that impact parental counseling.

Register today

Fetal Firesides Virtual CME Lecture Series

Our virtual, interactive CME lecture series provides updates on the latest advances in fetal diagnostic criteria and optimal management to enhance clinical skills in prenatal diagnosis, counseling and treatment. See upcoming session dates and topics.

Referral Guidelines

Referring a Patient to the CFDT

If you are a physician or patient seeking an evaluation for a suspected fetal abnormality, the Center team is here to help. Learn more about the information we’ll need from you and what happens next.

Fetal Surgery Guidelines for Prenatal MMC Repair

Mothers must meet specific requirements to be considered for fetal surgery for myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia follows these guidelines to determine who qualifies for prenatal repair.

Guidelines for Prenatal Treatment of Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) is available as a treatment option for unborn babies with the most severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It is reserved for cases in which our team predicts the baby may not otherwise survive past delivery. Learn more about the circumstances in which FETO may or may not be an option.

Case Studies

Condition-specific Resources and Flip Charts

In these condition-focused physician toolkits you'll find resources for clinicians seeking information about the evaluation and management of specific diagnoses in a developing fetus.

Find downloadable versions of all of our flip charts.

Publications

Newsletters

Our print newsletter, In Utero Insights, keeps you informed about clinical and research advances at the Center that may be of interest to you in the management of your patients. Contact us if you'd like to receive a copy of our latest newsletter or subscribe to future issues.

Our electronic newsletter, In Utero Insider, is a quarterly email update to keep you informed on the latest research, upcoming events and other timely topics. Sign up to receive our e-newsletter »

Fellowship and Elective

The Center offers two educational programs to maternal-fetal medicine specialists interested in learning more about the investigation and management of fetal disease.

Prenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy Fellowship

As a fellow at the Wood Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, you will learn from some of the most experienced leaders and innovators in prenatal diagnosis and fetal interventions. Our team's collective experience in prenatal diagnosis and fetal interventions is among the largest in the world.

Information about our Fellowship in Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy »

One-Month Elective for Maternal-fetal Medicine Fellows

As a maternal-fetal medicine fellow in training at the Wood Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, you have the opportunity to learn from leaders in maternal-fetal therapy and treatment during a 1-month elective in prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy.

Information about our 1-month elective for Maternal-fetal Medicine fellows »

Continuing Medical Education, Educational Activities & Conferences

We offer a variety of continuing medical education (CME) events for professionals interested in learning more about specific fetal conditions and surgical interventions.

Visit CHOP's education portal at www.chop.edu/fetal-courses to listen to recorded lectures on fetal diagnosis and treatment. These educational activities incorporate current evidence-based diagnostic techniques and the latest research to guide clinicians to perform optimal care and achieve better outcomes for patients. 

In addition to CHOP-hosted multidisciplinary conferences, our faculty and staff serve as guest lecturers and presenters at grand rounds and professional conferences throughout the year.

Volumes and Outcomes

Because of the high volume of patients we see with the full spectrum of congenital anomalies, we are well-equipped to manage these complex conditions. This experience helps us achieve optimal patient outcomes. We are committed to providing volumes and outcomes data to help both our professional partners and patient families in their search for more information.

Research

Center for Fetal Research

The Center for Fetal Research is the research extension of the CFDT. Our investigators pursue basic and translational research to develop optimal prenatal treatment strategies for a wide variety of genetic and acquired disorders.

Prenatal Sickle Cell Disease Research

A pioneering procedure that would transplant a mother’s bone marrow stem cells into her developing fetus while the child is still in the womb has the potential to cure sickle cell disease before the baby is even born. Learn more about our prenatal sickle cell disease research.

Fetal Neuroprotection and Neuroplasticity Program

Building on the growing evidence of the interaction between congenital heart disease and brain development during the prenatal period, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia's Fetal Neuroprotection and Neuroplasticity Program investigates innovative prenatal therapies to protect fetal brain development and prevent brain injury as early as possible before birth.

Read more about our ongoing research efforts.

Clinical Pathways

CHOP’s Clinical Pathways Program incorporates evidence, best practices and expert consensus into easily accessible, shared care models for use at the point of care. Here are some pathways that were created:

Pregnant Mom

Referring to the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment

Find referral guidelines and details about referring a patient to the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at CHOP for a suspected fetal abnormality.