The Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at CHOP

10/21/2025

When Dr. Beverly Coleman started her career in radiology in the early 1970s, ultrasound was still a curiosity. The machines were massive, occupying entire rooms, and the images they produced were fuzzy and ghostly. Expectant mothers were wheeled in for a glimpse of the mysterious shapes on the monitor. Few imagined that one day, that same technology — now portable enough to hold in your hand — would help redefine what was possible in medicine, illuminating the earliest and most fragile chapters of human life.

As Dr. Coleman soon retires from her role as Director of Fetal Imaging in our Center, we celebrate a trailblazer who redefined her field, shattered barriers, and helped generations of families see hope where there once was uncertainty. Read more in this Q and A with Dr. Coleman!

Dr. Beverly Coleman’s pioneering work in fetal imaging transformed care for countless families — and her impact will continue to guide the field for years to come.

10/17/2025

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month, and we would love to hear from YOU! Be sure to post an update or a photo of your spina bifida warrior in the comments section.

10/15/2025

Our team recently supported the & Walk presented by Citadel Credit Union! We’re thrilled to cheer on the inspiring from the Cancer Center at CHOP.

10/09/2025

Register your school for our annual and raise funds for care, cures and hope. Join us on December 5 or pick another day that works best for your school's calendar.

Learn more and register in the link below!

Pajama Day is a chance for your school to spend the day in your most comfortable jammies, invigorate your school’s sense of community and goodwill – and support kids who rely on Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for care, cures and hope.

10/07/2025

We're thrilled to once again be ranked among the very best in the nation for Pediatric Neonatology by U.S. News and World Report!

10/06/2025

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Please join us in honoring and remembering all the families who have lost a child. Every day, these families inspire our clinical and research teams who work tirelessly to prevent others from having to experience this type of loss.

10/01/2025

It's Spina Bifida Awareness Month! While fetal surgery is not a cure for spina bifida, more than 20 years of testing and trial proved that operating on the baby in the womb can lead to significantly better results than traditional repair after birth. Learn more by watching this video.

09/27/2025

September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. Did you know that hydrocephalus is one of the most common congenital anomalies affecting the nervous system, occurring with an incidence of 0.3 to 2.5 per 1,000 live births? Traditionally, hydrocephalus is detected and treated after birth with a shunting procedure. However, thanks to high quality prenatal ultrasonography, ventricular enlargement is now routinely diagnosed in utero. Learn more here.

Hydrocephalus results in fluid buildup and enlargement of cerebral ventricles in the developing brain. Learn about hydrocephalus treatment.

09/24/2025

September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month! Before Laurel was born, doctors discovered she had hydrocephalus. With the help of her care team, she had surgery shortly after birth — and today she’s a bright, energetic 4-year-old who continues to reach new milestones.

This month, we’re proud to recognize children like Laurel and the families who inspire us every day. 💛

Read Laurel’s story, below.

When Laurel was diagnosed with hydrocephalus while she was still in the womb, her parents turned to the best team to give their daughter the best chance in life.

09/12/2025

Our Fetal Family e-newsletter for families provides updates on our groundbreaking research and treatment advances, events, and more!

Sign up for our e-newsletter today: https://www.chop.edu/fetal-family-news/subscribe

09/09/2025

Happy back to school season! We had to reshare this photo that was sent to us by our patient, Hudson's, mom Brigid. Hudson came home from his first day of second grade with this “about me” page. According to Brigid, he has always said he wants to be a CHOP doctor one day, and we couldn't be prouder! Wishing everyone a great school year.

Be sure to post your back to school photos and tag us!