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Finding out that your baby's health is at risk can be overwhelming. When expecting moms and babies need special care, Children’s Mercy is ready with the region’s most comprehensive and advanced care for select high-risk pregnancies before, during and after delivery. 

Diagnosis and testing for fetal conditions


Each year, nearly 400 families visit the Perinatal Clinic at the Elizabeth J. Ferrell Fetal Health Center for advanced diagnostic services like amniocentesis, fetal echocardiograms, and ultrasounds. Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists work closely with your doctor to support both you and your baby.

Children’s Mercy treats thousands of babies with complex in-utero conditions annually, including heart, gastrointestinal, and lung issues—so chances are, we’ve seen a case like yours and are ready to help.

Collaborative, Expert-Led Care


At Children’s Mercy, your baby’s care team includes every necessary fetal specialist—from genetic counselors and social workers to anesthesiologists and prenatal imaging experts. You’ll meet with the full team together to discuss your baby’s diagnosis, treatment options, and create a personalized care plan—with you as an active participant every step of the way.

We specialize in caring for babies with complex medical needs through a family-centered approach that keeps you informed and supported.

Whether you deliver in our comfortable birthing suites or at another hospital, you’ll have access to top pediatric specialists from the start. From your first visit, a dedicated care coordinator nurse will guide you through appointments, paperwork and communication with your care team. After birth, your baby continues receiving care from the same trusted experts in a warm, child-focused environment.

The inspiration behind the Fetal Health Center


In 2010, Elizabeth J. and James E. Ferrell gave a generous gift that helped create the Fetal Health Center at Children's Mercy. In collaboration with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, the Center fosters local, national and international partnerships between researchers and physicians. Together, we are leading the way toward innovative treatment options for moms and babies. 

Mom and baby who were cared for at the the Children's Mercy Fetal Health Center

Fetal Surgery and Intervention

Rapid advances in the field of fetal surgery make it possible to correct or manage certain life-threatening conditions even before a baby is born. Children’s Mercy cares for a growing number of moms and babies through fetal surgery each year.

Maternal Fetal Transport

In emergencies involving pregnant women, both mom and baby need expert care. Children’s Mercy’s award-winning transport team, in partnership with the Fetal Health Center, safely moves expectant mothers to higher-level care—guided by Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists and supported by neonatal and obstetrical experts.

Stories

Against all odds: EXIT procedure helps baby Farrah start strong

A team of 40+ experts from the Children’s Mercy Fetal Health Center performed a unique prenatal surgery called an EXIT procedure to remove a large tumor that was pressing on baby Farrah’s lungs.

Watch Farrah’s story
A smiling baby girl with a large bow on her head and a tube leading to her nose lays on her side and smiles. An adult holds her hand and a blue pacifier.

Prenatal Spina Bifida: Rose's Story

Taylor and James, business owners in Atlanta, faced a challenging pregnancy when their baby was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. Thanks to the swift and collaborative care at Children's Mercy Fetal Health Center, they received the necessary support and eventually moved to Kansas City, where Taylor joined the Fetal Health Center Patient Family Advisory Committee.

Meet Rose
Dad James, Mom Taylor and baby Rose wearing brown toned clothing on a couch