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Fetal Heart Program

If your baby is diagnosed with a congenital heart condition before birth, our Fetal Heart Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will work closely with your family to plan care and help you make decisions about the next steps. We offer every resource you need, including expert evaluation and diagnosis, planning for delivery and care for your newborn after birth.

You may also have the option to deliver in the Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit (SDU), the world’s first birth facility for healthy mothers carrying babies with birth defects.

Our fetal heart disease program is one of the largest of its kind. We perform more than 3,700 fetal echocardiograms annually. Here, your family will have access to the most advanced treatments available — with outcomes among the best in the world.

How we serve you

Our Fetal Heart Program is part of CHOP's Cardiac Center, one of the largest pediatric heart centers in North America. You and your baby will have access to all of our top pediatric specialists and programs including our Fetal Neuroprotection and Neuroplasticity Program. They'll work together to best meet your child's unique needs.

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Why choose us

In our Fetal Heart Program, you and your unborn baby will have access to the most advanced imaging, world-class cardiac care and much more.

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Meet your team

An expert team of pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and other CHOP specialists will care for your baby. They'll support you throughout your pregnancy, delivery and beyond, providing the most advanced cardiac care.

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Fetal Heart Program locations

Access fetal heart disease specialists near you.

Our research

We are committed to ongoing research, which will improve the health and well-being of your baby and all infants born with heart disease.

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Fetal Heart Program resources

We know that caring for a child with a heart condition can be stressful. To help you find answers to your questions, we’ve created this list of educational health resources.

Patient stories

Our Stories
Stephanos was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in utero and had three surgeries before he turned 3. Thanks to the Fetal Heart Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Stephanos is now a 6-year-old who loves Legos and sports, and swings a mean golf club.

Events

Cardiology 2025 conference hope heal learn

Cardiology 2025

Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025

Please join us for the 28th Annual Update on Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Disease at the Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort.

Instructors ride at the Philly Spin-in

Philly Spin-In

Saturday, Mar 08, 2025

Philly Spin-In is a high-energy, team cycling party on a mission to change and save the lives of children with heart disease. Join the movement and ride for little hearts at CHOP! Join us in person or take the party to your place through our live-streamed session.

Cardiac Connection Family Newsletter

Be among the first to know about our latest breakthroughs – big and small. Subscribe to receive Cardiac Connection, a special e-newsletter for families that includes: updates on our research and treatment advances, patient stories, profiles of our clinicians, news about special Cardiac Center events and much more!

Your donation changes lives

Every donation helps us make lifesaving breakthroughs for children everywhere.

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