The regional leader in fetal care. With more than 40 years’ experience, The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health is a regional leader in the research and care of pregnant patients with fetal complications. As one of only a few comprehensive fetal centers in the country, the institute is able to offer pre-birth counseling and care, as well as corrective fetal intervention if needed, including both twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) laser treatments and spina bifida (myelomeningocele – MMC) repair in utero, among others. In fact, we are the only fetal center in Illinois that performs MMC repair in utero.

Led by Dr. Aimen Shaaban, our multidisciplinary team is here to empower you and your family to understand your baby’s diagnosis and to provide corrective intervention, if needed. In addition, we will discuss what to expect after birth and provide the specialized follow-up care for all babies, regardless of their condition or where they are born.

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Nationally Recognized Expertise & Experience

The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health is a multi-disciplinary team made up of specialists from several of our U.S. News & World Report-ranked divisions and members of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine faculty.

Drawing upon the extensive expertise of faculty from fetal and neonatal cardiology, fetal surgery, maternal-fetal medicine, and more than 20 other adult and pediatric medical and surgical subspecialties, the most appropriate group of specialty clinicians will be assembled to provide your individualized care. In most cases, this will include the same clinicians who will be available to assist with your care and the care of your baby after birth. 

Your baby will benefit from the variety of experts and the complicated procedures they perform daily. For example, newborns with major heart and/or lung problems can receive lifesaving treatment in our ECMO program, which is the first and largest in the city. Lurie Children’s is also a leader in minimally invasive surgery for congenital anomalies of the abdomen and the chest. Each year our Heart Center performs more than 900 fetal echocardiograms and 450 open and closed heart surgeries, with outcomes among the best in the nation.

In addition, Lurie Children’s has one of the largest Spina Bifida Multi-Disciplinary Clinics in the world. The team is comprised of experts from a variety of fields including pediatric neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, urology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, social work, and physical/occupational therapy.

Our physicians are passionate about pioneering advancements and improvements in the diagnosis, treatment and care of complex fetal conditions and anomalies, and we do more research and receive more funding for pediatric research than any other center in the Midwest.

Comprehensive Approach 

We have a long history of working closely with regional obstetricians and MFM specialists to assure the best care for newborns. We believe in family-centered care, so we encourage the baby’s family to take an active part in doctor visits and decision-making.

The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health experts develop personalized treatment plans with pregnant patients and families based on each individual prenatal diagnosis. Our specialists perform more than 1800 consultations each year for all types of fetal disorders, rare and common, with expectant parents from around the country.

Families may meet with multiple pediatric specialists who will be part of their baby’s medical team for a fetal consultation. Our neonatologists, pediatric surgeons and pediatric subspecialists care for sick babies with complex medical needs by working together to create comprehensive plans.

Meet the Team


Contact Us

Our fetal health services are available by caregiver referral or self-referral by calling 1.866.338.2524 (1.866.FETAL24) or by e-mailing fetalhealth@luriechildrens.org.

We are happy to assist, whether you plan to transfer your newborn to Lurie Children’s for care, or you simply want information or a second opinion. 

Traveling from out-of-state? Our Destination Services team is available to help make your experience at Lurie Children's go as smoothly as possible. Learn more

Location

The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health
225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611
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Philanthropy

Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children's relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org or call 312.227.7500