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Gynecology & Obstetrics

The Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy

Giving every child the best possible start in life.

Treating Disease Before Birth

The diagnosis of a fetal condition prior to delivery can be confusing and overwhelming. The compassionate and experienced physicians of the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy will work with you to understand your diagnosis and treatment options. We collaborate with maternal, neonatal and pediatric experts to provide comprehensive care that ensures the best outcomes for both mom and baby.

Request an Appointment 410-502-6561


5th Annual Picnic 2023 | Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy

On Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy team hosted their Fifth Annual Family Picnic. Due to the pandemic, this was the first time regathering since 2019. Watch as parents of children who received a diagnosis of a fetal anomaly discuss their gratitude for the successful treatment they received from the Center for Fetal Therapy team.

Watch more videos on Fetal Therapy
baschat with baby

Why Choose Us?

At the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, our patients benefit from:

  • A family-centered approach to care where we empower our patients to be partners in their treatment and prioritize both maternal and fetal health.
  • An expert team of fetal surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of fetal conditions, including congenital diaphragmatic hernia, spina bifida and complicated monochorionic twins, using the most advanced fetal intervention procedures.
  • Evidence-based treatment plans informed by our research into how to deliver the best outcomes for both mom and baby.
  • A multidisciplinary care team that provides coordinated care from diagnosis and pre-birth intervention, to delivery and beyond.
Learn more about our center

Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy Delivers Highest Level of Care, Says Network

The Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy is among the top-level caregivers in fetal-maternal medicine, according to a new consensus statement and criteria from the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet). The document — the lead author of which, Ahmet Baschat, is the center’s director — outlines care levels based on maternal and fetal risk and resources required to perform procedures based on complexity.

Read more about fetal therapy care levels here
Fetal therapy team in OR

CDH: Caring for You and Your Baby from Prenatal Diagnosis to Infancy

The diagnosis of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) prior to delivery can be confusing and overwhelming. Learn about the Johns Hopkins Fetal Center and our family-centered approach to care from Ahmet Baschat, director of the Center for Fetal Therapy, pediatric surgeons Shaun Kunisaki and Alejandro Garcia and pediatric cardiologist Melanie Nies.

Featured Patient Story Fetoscopic Surgery for Spina Bifida | Emily's Story

As a NICU nurse, Rebecca Malkie has seen the worst. So when Rebecca received the diagnosis that her third pregnancy had a confirmed case of spina bifida, her and her family were devasted. But after turning to the Fetal Therapy team at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Baschat and Dr. Miller introduced them to fetoscopic surgery. This in-utereo procedure is an innovative and less invasive treatment option to correct the fetus’s spinal column in the womb. Shortly after diagnosis, Rebecca underwent a successful fetoscopic surgery and was able to carry through with a successful pregnancy. She delivered a baby girl named Emily and at three years old, she is now a happy and healthy little girl!

Watch Emily's story here Watch more videos on Fetal Therapy
Fetoscopic Surgery for Spina Bifida Emilys Story

Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS): Simarjeet’s Story

As a healthy 29 year-old expecting twins, Simarjeet Kaur of Silver Spring, Maryland, experienced symptoms common during pregnancy. She felt nauseated and tired early on. But soon her symptoms worsened, and she developed an unexplained pain in her side. One ultrasound showed no problems, but another, just one week later, showed that the babies had twin to twin transfusion syndrome, or TTTS. Learn how our experts acted quickly to provide Simarjeet with the care she needed to support the twins.

Read the full story
Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome TTTS Simarjeets Story Featured Slide 3

Featured Patient Story Fetoscopic Surgery for Spina Bifida | Keri’s Story

At 21 weeks pregnant, Keri and Scott learned their 3rd child, Harper, had spina bifida. Wanting the best possible outcome for Harper, Keri and Scott elected for fetoscopic surgery to correct the defect in the womb. Learn how the expert teams at the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy and the Children’s Center worked together to ensure both mother and daughter’s evolving needs were cared for from fetoscopic surgery through delivery and beyond.

Watch Kerri's story here
doctor listens to babys heart

Featured Patient Story Minimally Invasive Surgery for Complicated Twin Pregnancy: "the Jens'" Story

After several unsuccessful attempts at fertility treatment, hopeful parents Jen M. and Jen B. were excited to finally become pregnant with twins. Sadly, early into their pregnancy they lost one twin. Remaining hopeful their pregnancy would still be viable, the Jens were panicked when their 20 week ultrasound revealed they may be experiencing a rare condition called Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP). Learn how our experts diagnosed and treated the condition — and supported this family through pregnancy and the birth of their miracle daughter, Hope.

Read the article
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Complicated Twin Pregnancy the Jens Story Featured Slide 5

Featured Patient Story A mother, two sick babies and the surgical procedure once ‘in the same realm as magic’ that saved them

A routine ultrasound revealed a previously healthy twin pregnancy was now faced with several rare complications — with one baby showing signs of heart failure. Learn how the expert teams at the Allegheny Health Network and Johns Hopkins Medicine worked together to coordinate lifesaving fetal surgery and give the Matus twins the best start at life.

Read the full story
A mother two sick babies and the surgical procedure once in the same realm as magic that saved them Featured Slide 6

Fetal Interventions and Procedures


We Are Here For You

The Center for Fetal Therapy remains open and committed to families diagnosed with fetal conditions. We are taking every precaution possible to protect the safety of our patients. We are available to our current patients via phone, myChart messaging and video visits to discuss your treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. Our team is also offering telemedicine consults to new patients who want to learn more about our center.

Request Your Next MyChart Appointment

For Physicians

Graphic of handshake

At the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, physician referral is a handshake, not a hand off. If you are caring for a patient facing a complex fetal diagnosis, call 1-844-JH-FETAL (1-844-543-3825) and speak directly to a physician to learn how we can partner to deliver comprehensive care.

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