Fetal Neurology Center of Excellence
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Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for fetal neurology care?
When a prenatal test raises concerns about your baby's brain or spine, you need answers and guidance. Our team of specialists helps you understand what may be happening and what comes next.
We integrate imaging, genetic testing, family history and other tools to build the clearest possible understanding of your baby's condition. Early detection gives your family and care team more time to plan the safest path forward. That may include pregnancy care, fetal surgery when appropriate, delivery planning and treatment after birth.
Families come to us for first evaluations, self-referrals and second opinions. We also care for families who have normal ultrasounds but are experiencing conditions that can affect the fetal brain or have a family history of neurodevelopmental conditions.
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for fetal neurology care?
When a prenatal test raises concerns about your baby's brain or spine, you need answers and guidance. Our team of specialists helps you understand what may be happening and what comes next.
We integrate imaging, genetic testing, family history and other tools to build the clearest possible understanding of your baby's condition. Early detection gives your family and care team more time to plan the safest path forward. That may include pregnancy care, fetal surgery when appropriate, delivery planning and treatment after birth.
Families come to us for first evaluations, self-referrals and second opinions. We also care for families who have normal ultrasounds but are experiencing conditions that can affect the fetal brain or have a family history of neurodevelopmental conditions.
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One of the few U.S. fetal neurology programs
We are the only program in Northern California, and one of the few nationwide, with teams of experts caring for neurological concerns in babies before birth.Advanced fetal neuro MRI
UCSF is internationally recognized as a pioneer in fetal MRI. We use the latest technology to detect brain development at an early stage and help guide care.Answers guided by genetics
We combine advanced genetic testing, imaging and medical history to understand your child's unique condition.Coordinated care before and after birth
We provide compassionate and clear counseling before birth as well as help in pregnancy management, delivery, newborn care and long-term neurology follow-up.
Fetal neurology testing during pregnancy
When a test raises concerns during pregnancy, your family deserves clear information and thoughtful guidance. Our coordinated team of specialists works together to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care.
We use safe, noninvasive imaging tests for you and your baby. Your evaluation may include:
Discussion of your family medical history
Advanced and expert fetal MRI interpretation focused on your child's brain and nervous system
Genetic testing, including possible in-house genomic sequencing
Counseling with maternal-fetal medicine specialists
Counseling with child neurologists who specialize in fetal neurology
Team-based care for complex fetal neurologic conditions
Fetal neurologic concerns can be complex and may not point to one straightforward answer. Our specialists look at each result in context, comparing imaging, test results, clinical details and family history before discussing next steps.
You receive one coordinated evaluation, helping you avoid multiple opinions and giving you a clearer understanding of your baby's condition.
Your care team may include:
Fetal-neonatal neurologists
Fetal and pediatric neuroradiologists
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
Prenatal genetic specialists
Fetal surgeons
Pediatric neurosurgeons
Social workers
Fetal neurology care during pregnancy
If testing shows treatment may help, we connect you with fetal therapy experts. In some cases, we may recommend in utero treatment, which means we treat your baby during pregnancy.
We are at the forefront of fetal neurology medicine as options continue to grow. Care may include:
Medical therapy. Some conditions may respond to medicine taken during pregnancy.
Surgery. Fetal surgeons may repair certain conditions before birth or plan procedures around delivery.
Emerging genetic and molecular approaches. Genetic diagnosis may help guide promising therapies for some rare conditions.
Delivery planning and newborn care
Our fetal treatment experts plan delivery and your newborn's care. Our social workers can help connect your family with support and resources.
After delivery, your baby has access to advanced newborn care, including our:
Neuro-Intensive Care Nursery and NICU
Neonatal neurology experts who care for babies needing close neurologic monitoring
Pediatric neurosurgery and neuroendovascular surgery experts, when needed
Ongoing brain care for children as they continue to grow
Providers
Marisa Gardner, MD
Pediatric Neurology
Nalin Gupta, MD, PhD
Neurosurgery
Bridget LaMonica Ostrem, MD
Pediatric Neurology
Awards & achievements
1st
successful open fetal surgery in the world
#1
in number of fetal surgery clinical trials
One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery
No. 6 in the nation for neonatology
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Abnormal Genetic Test Results
- Abnormal Obstetrical Screening
- Congenital Anomalies of the Central Nervous System
- Congenital Brain Malformations
Treatments
- Fetal Echocardiograms
- Fetal Intervention
- Fetal Surgery
- Fetal Ultrasound
- Genetic Testing
- Multidisciplinary Care for Complex Fetal Conditions
- Newborn Care
- Prenatal Care
- Prenatal Diagnosis
Recommended reading
Whole Genome Sequencing
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is an advanced test that allows us to quickly detect genetic disorders in a fetus or newborn.
Support services
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.