UTHealth Houston Fetal Center

The Fetal Center is comprised of multidisciplinary, board-certified specialists who manage complex fetal diagnoses in pregnancy. Our Houston team provides the highest level of evidence-based, patient-centered care to families internationally through collaboration, innovation, and research.

We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

UTHealth Houston Fetal Center

The Fetal Center is comprised of multidisciplinary, board-certified specialists who manage complex fetal diagnoses in pregnancy. Our team provides the highest level of evidence-based, patient-centered care to families through collaboration, innovation, and research. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Fetal diagnosis and fetal intervention at The Fetal Center

At The Fetal Center at UTHealth Houston, the multidisciplinary team is proud to offer a complete range of coordinated care for pregnant patients before, during, and after birth. This includes:

  • Comprehensive and individualized fetal imaging services, including ultrasound, fetal echocardiograms, and fetal MRI (where appropriate)
  • A dedicated nurse coordinator who manages all prenatal appointments and consultations is assigned to each patient.
  • Prenatal genetic counseling and testing
  • Consultations with maternal-fetal medicine specialists and pediatric subspecialists tailored for each patient’s unique fetal diagnosis, providing ample opportunities to address questions and concerns
  • Educational resources about short-term and long-term follow-up care along with guidance on transitioning to other UTHealth Houston specialists who offer the necessary ongoing care

6410 Fannin St, Ste 210

Houston, TX 77030-3004

Fax: (713) 383-1464

Parking available at the UTHealth Houston Garage, 6414 Fannin St.
Valet parking is also available.

Conditions treated

Prenatal conditions and congenital anomalies treated at The Fetal Center in Houston, Texas, include but are not limited to:

Vigilantly monitoring his patients

Spina Bifida

Focused on long-term care

UTHealth Houston specialists provide intervention and innovation for the treatment of spina bifida by offering the full spectrum of care before and after birth. Our dedication and innovation in treating spina bifida has resulted in treatments that can dramatically improve a child’s quality of life.

Patients referred to The Fetal Center with a prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida can expect a comprehensive evaluation, including ultrasound, fetal MRI, and consultations with our multidisciplinary team of maternal-fetal medicine and pediatric specialists. We collaborate with our patients and referring physicians to develop a treatment plan for a patient’s entire pregnancy.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH RARE CONGENITAL ANOMALY

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) requires highly experienced prenatal, neonatal, pediatric, and adult health care teams before and after birth. Our board-certified specialists identify and manage the complex challenges surrounding a CDH diagnosis through expert multidisciplinary care.

Few locations in the world perform these complex procedures, and our team of CDH specialists are leaders in their fields. UTHealth Houston specialists are leaders in fetal intervention for CDH through fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO). FETO is an innovative treatment designed to improve lung development in a fetus diagnosed with CDH. This complex procedure involves inserting a small latex balloon into the trachea to promote prenatal lung development, which can lead to improved survival rates in babies born with CDH.

Surgeons working in operating room
Pregnant Woman SEO

The Maternal Care Program

Ensuring quality care for pregnant mothers

This critical program focuses on the needs of pregnant mothers while other specialists on the team provide complex care for their babies. The clinician team supports mothers’ physical, medical, and emotional needs.

Comprehensive pregnancy care is devoted to every stage, from the first evaluation through the postpartum period. This includes prenatal care, delivery planning, and extensive postnatal care. Our team understands mothers’ unique needs during a stressful time. We’re here for you and your family.

Cleft and Craniofacial Care

Personalized care for complex conditions

Our Texas Cleft-Craniofacial Team offers a personalized approach to more than 70 cleft and craniofacial conditions. These can be diagnosed before and after birth. Our multidisciplinary approach is guided by standards set by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. Our coordinated care enables families an efficient process of visiting with multiple physicians in one visit. These range from experts in ear, nose, and throat, dentistry, orthodontics, genetics, and plastic surgery to speech pathology.

We’re proud to offer the latest advancements in surgical care with a compassionate treatment plan.

Texas Cleft-Craniofacial Care Header
Comprehensive Congenital Colorectal Program Header

Congenital Colorectal Program

Specialized care from infancy to adulthood

Our specialized care for congenital colorectal disorders provides treatment plans for infants, children, and adults. These include conditions relating to bowel function, anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung disease, and more. Our continuum of care helps transition pediatric patients to adulthood for those requiring lifelong care. These disorders in adulthood can affect urinary control, bowel movements, kidney function, reproductive capabilities, and other aspects of daily life.

The multispecialty team comprises pediatric and adult colorectal surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, and neurosurgeons. Our goal is to help patients garner greater independence and improved quality of life.

Patient Resources

Urgent medical needs

If you require immediate medical assistance during regular business hours, please call (832) 325-7288 and a nurse coordinator will promptly assess your medical needs. If deemed medically necessary, efforts will be made to accommodate you in a physician’s schedule on the same day.

For after-hours care, please call (832) 325-7288 to connect with the physician on call.

In the event of an emergency, please dial 911 or proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

What to expect when referred to the
UTHealth Houston Fetal Center

Initial referral and scheduling

Your referral to The Fetal Center

  • Your maternal-fetal medicine physician, obstetrician, or health care provider identifies a potential complication or high-risk factor during pregnancy and refers you to The Fetal Center for specialized care.
    • Reasons for a referral to The Fetal Center may include abnormal ultrasound findings, maternal health conditions, or concerns about the fetus’s growth or development.

What to expect after you are referred to The Fetal Center

  • The Fetal Center’s nursing and medical assistant team will contact you 24-48 hours after receiving your referral.
  • If your case is urgent, we will contact you the same day the referral is received.
  • Our team will discuss the following information with you to schedule your appointment:
    • Medical assistants will verify your contact information, date of birth, insurance coverage, and other basic information.
    • The clinical care coordinator will then contact you to review your medical history, explain your diagnosis and plan of care, and answer any questions.
  • When scheduling your initial appointment at The Fetal Center, your clinical care coordinator will provide options for local accommodations if you are traveling. They can also connect you with other resources provided by The Fetal Center, such as a social worker if needed.
  • Information will be provided to you via email with instructions, and links with information may be provided depending on your diagnosis.
  • We have staff readily available to assist 24/7 at 832-325-7288

The Fetal Center enables fetal therapy nurses to tailor care plans centered on the mother and fetus, fostering a compassionate and supportive environment.

Specialists

Leadership

Anthony Johnson Doctor in Houston, Texas
Co-director, The Fetal Center
Fetal Intervention & Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Ramesha Papanna Doctor in Houston, Texas
Co-director, The Fetal Center
Fetal Intervention & Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Kuojen Tsao Doctor in Houston, Texas
Co-director, The Fetal Center
Pediatric Surgery & Fetal Surgery

Patient Stories