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Shaun Michael Kunisaki, MD MSc
- Robert and Jane Meyerhoff Professor
- Professor of Pediatric Surgery
Expertise: Pediatric General Surgery
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Ahmet Alexander Baschat, MBBChBAO
- Director, Center for Fetal Therapy
- Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Expertise: Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics
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Jeanne S. Sheffield, MD
- Director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Expertise: Infectious Diseases, Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics
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William Ravekes, MD
- Medical Director, Pediatric Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support
- Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Expertise: Pediatric Cardiology
Surgical Care and Management for Newborns with Prenatally Diagnosed Disorders
The nationally and internationally renowned pediatric specialists at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center are dedicated to supporting expecting parents whose babies have been diagnosed with a prenatally diagnosed anomaly.
We work closely with our obstetrical and maternal-fetal providers, all within the same facility, to provide specialized care in instances where surgery or treatment management is required after delivery.
Our Role in Your Care Journey
Your baby on the way has been diagnosed with a serious and complex condition that will require post-delivery treatment and care. As part of Johns Hopkins’ multidisciplinary maternal and fetal care services, we meet with families before delivery to provide education and guidance, ensuring a smooth transition of care after birth — all within the same comprehensive medical location. From there, our team will take the lead to provide:
Care After Birth
After delivery, your baby will receive expert care from our specialized team which includes pediatric surgeons and neonatologists. We are among the nation’s best at managing complex conditions and using advanced techniques to provide the safest, most effective treatment. Whether surgery is needed or specialized medical care in the NICU, our goal is to optimize your baby’s health and long-term quality of life.
Long-Term Follow-up Care
Ongoing care is essential for your child’s health and development. Our interdisciplinary team includes specialists in nutrition, therapy, audiology, and social work to address all aspects of your child’s care.
Conditions We Treat
The pediatric surgery team provides treatments and therapies for a variety of conditions after delivery. Learn more about how these conditions are treated at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
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Our team performs an initial surgery soon after birth to repair the bladder and/or penis. Additional reconstructive procedures will be needed in the first year of life, depending on your child’s condition.
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We will perform an initial repair soon after birth to align the affected areas, such as the bladder and intestines. Additional surgeries will be planned throughout childhood and adolescence to support your child’s development.
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Although some fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia may benefit from Fetal Therapy to avoid ECMO and improve survival, most can be managed exclusively with surgery after delivery. Our pediatric surgical team performs early surgical repair using the most advanced surgical approaches, including thoracoscopic repair for smaller hernias and muscle flap repair for larger hernias. Following the post-natal surgery, our pediatric team will continue work with you to develop a long-term care management plan.
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After birth, we carefully monitor babies with congenital lung malformations using chest X-rays and CT scans. Although some babies may require neonatal surgery, surgery can typically be delayed until 3 to 6 months of age based on whether symptoms are present. Our surgeons will discuss the best treatment options if surgery is required to prevent future problems.
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After birth, surgery is required to place the abdominal organs back inside the body and repair the opening. If only a small portion of the intestine is outside, surgery is performed shortly after birth. If multiple organs are outside, we may recommend a staged surgical approach. Additional supportive treatments—such as IV nutrition, antibiotics, and careful temperature regulation—will help your baby recover.
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Within the first 48 hours of life, surgery is performed to close the defect. Our team works closely with specialists to manage additional needs, such as hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain), and provide ongoing care.
Learn more about spina bifidia care at the Center for Fetal Therapy
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After birth, our team will evaluate your child’s condition to determine the best plan for abdominal repair. If other birth defects are present, our team will coordinate a tailored treatment approach.
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Renal agenesis occurs when one or both kidneys fail to develop before birth. With one functioning kidney, most babies do well with regular monitoring. If both kidneys are missing, severe complications can arise. Our team provides specialized care, including experimental therapies like the RAFT trial, dialysis, and potential kidney transplantation, to support your baby’s health.
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For non-life-threatening tumors, surgery is performed after birth to remove the tumor and tailbone. Our team provides expert care in the NICU, ensuring pain management and recovery support. We also monitor for any signs of tumor recurrence throughout childhood.
Pediatric Specialties
Your child's care may involve a multidisciplinary group of specialists from across Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
- Fetal Cardiology - Diagnoses and treats heart problems, from before birth through childhood. For babies requiring ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) support, our team works swiftly to coordinate timely interventions for safe and effective management.
- Anesthesiology - Ensures safe and comfortable pain management for mothers during childbirth and for patients undergoing surgery or procedures.
- Neonatology (NICU) - Cares for newborns, especially those born early or with medical concerns, offering specialized support in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
- General Pediatric Surgery - Performs surgical procedures in the abdomen and chest, but not the heart.
- Neurosurgery - Treats brain, spine and nervous system conditions through advanced surgical techniques.
- Nephrology - Focuses on kidney-related conditions, providing treatment for kidney diseases and disorders.
- Otolaryngology - Treats ear, nose, throat and airway problems, helping with breathing, hearing and speech concerns.
- Urology - Manages urinary and genital issues, providing both medical and surgical care.
Johns Hopkins Fetal Steering Committee
Nurse Coordinators
Laurie Smith, RN, MSN
Fetal Nurse Coordinator
Expertise: Complex Clinical Care Coordination, Pediatric Critical Care, Quality Improvement, Research
Expertise: Complex Clinical Care Coordination, Pediatric Critical Care, Quality Improvement, Research
Aubrey Sozer, MScCH, RN
Fetal Cardiac Nurse Coordinator
Expertise:
Expertise:
Appointments and Referrals
To schedule or refer for these services, contact the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy through the options below
Patients Requesting Appointment
Phone: 410-502-6561
Physician Referrals
Phone:1-844-JH-FETAL (1-844-543-3825) to speak to a physician.
Fax: 410-367-2912
To expedite scheduling, please download and complete our referral form and send it with relevant patient records and imaging via fax to 410-367-2912.