Fetal Health Center
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.
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
Evelyn’s Story: A prenatal diagnosis and fetal monitoring leads to a successful heart transplant at 6 months
Evelyn was diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis prenatally at the Elizabeth J. Ferrell Fetal Health Center (FHC) and monitored by a team of specialists. When Evelyn was born at 39 weeks, her mom, Hannah, was able to get her postpartum care at the FHC, one floor up from where Evelyn had her first heart surgeries and a successful transplant at just 6 months old.
CHAMP: Katelynn’s Story
Katelynn’s journey with Children’s Mercy began before she was born, when her parents learned she had a complex congenital heart condition. Today, thanks to expert care and expanded access closer to home, Katelynn is an active, determined 11‑year‑old doing the things she loves.
Miller’s Story: AVSD and Care at Children’s Mercy
When Mischia learned her baby had a serious heart condition, the team at the Children’s Mercy Elizabeth J. Ferrell Fetal Health Center became her lifeline. From expert guidance before birth to life-saving surgery and heartfelt care, Miller’s journey shows what hope and healing look like.
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.
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.
- Fetal Health Center
- Fetal Cardiology Program
- Fetal Intervention and Surgery
- Maternal Fetal Transport
- Postpartum Services
- Prenatal Diagnostic Testing for Genetic Conditions
- Special Care Delivery
- Tour the Fetal Health Center
- What to Expect: Fetal Health Center
- Call To Receive A Second Opinion
- Fetal Health Center Patient Family Advisory Council
- Patient Stories
- Meet the Team