The Maternal Fetal Care Center (MFCC) at Boston Children's Hospital, in affiliation withBrigham and Women's HospitalandBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, provides diagnosis, ongoing screening, and care for mothers carrying babies with confirmed or suspected congenital anomalies. Our expansive experience in fetal care has shown that the earlier an anomaly can be correctly diagnosed, the greater a baby's chances of experiencing optimal development and health. Using advanced diagnostic tools, groundbreaking surgical and medical treatments, and supportive care, our fetal specialists are increasing the chances of survival and the quality of life for many newborns. We offer compassionate care and support that extends throughout childhood — from prenatal diagnosis and counseling, through treatment and long-term follow-up.
Our approach
The MFCC was founded in 2000 to treat fetuses with life-threatening congenital anomalies. Since its inception, thousands of pregnant women have been referred to the MFCC for diagnostic studies, counseling, treatment, and care when a fetal anomaly is suspected or diagnosed. Depending on your unique case, you may be seen by specialists across disciplines including anesthesia, cardiology, general surgery, genetics, neonatology, neurology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery, nursing, orthopedics, otolaryngology, patient services, plastic surgery, radiology, and urology. This team approach ensures a comprehensive care plan built on the collaborative involvement of our pediatric experts and ongoing communication with you and your primary obstetric team. The MFCC also works closely with Harvard-area hospitals, including Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, along with many local and non-local obstetricians. No matter which of our specialists you see, a staff member from the MFCC will be with you every step of the way, attending appointments with you, and coordinating your care throughout this process.
On rare occasions, our team recommends and performs interventions during fetal life. For example, ourFetal Cardiology Programis dedicated to correcting and preventing defects of the fetal heartin uteroand is the world's first and most experienced center in performing successful fetal cardiac interventions, treating abnormalitiesin uteroto reduce potentially fatal concerns after delivery.
Our areas of innovation
Boston Children's is continuing to advance what's possible in fetal medicine. Through the joint work of researchers, genetic specialists, surgeons, and other care providers, the MFCC is breaking ground in the understanding of fetal anomalies, with the goals of early detection and treatment.