Who we are
BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center is an internationally recognized university and multidisciplinary research center in fetal and perinatal medicine, linked to BCNatal (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona) and the University of Barcelona.
Mission
The main mission of the center is to identify methods of early diagnosis and treatment of diseases of prenatal origin that have an impact on childhood and adult life. In this way, we can reduce the prevalence and severity of certain ailments in adults, especially those related to neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary consequences of prenatal origin.
Methodology
To demonstrate and characterize the profound impact that fetal life has on children and their future health, we identify the fetus as a patient. Thus we can approach the same problem from different perspectives to overcome it in an efficient and innovative way. This way of working allows us to integrate prenatal and postnatal care through the Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Neonatology services.
Projects
We have different research projects underway. An intervention study in humans that aims to improve the prognosis of fetal growth restriction. Another relevant one is the development of new fetal surgeries, which will radically change the future prospects of fetuses that are in between life and death. We are making progress in creating new biomarkers that will detect fetuses at risk.
Facilities and services
With more than 750m2 dedicated to research and more than 100 professionals, we have dedicated teams that offer research support internally and we outsource some of their services.
Biobank
Animal model
Patient follow-up
AI & Medical Imaging
Our history
2005
Our inception
Eduard Gratacós creates the research team in Fetal and Perinatal Medicine thanks to the support of Hospital Clínic and IDIBAPS.
2007
Focused on cardiology and
fetal neurodevelopment
We develop innovative technologies that enable us to understand how the brain and heart are "reprogrammed" in fetal life.
2009
Our scientific production grows
We published 46 scientific articles in specialized maternal-fetal medicine journals, achieving the highest impact factor to date, of 119.31.
2010
The first fetal lung surgery
For the first time, the team performs surgery on a fetus with a fatal congenital lung condition. The girl will be called Alaitz - joy in Basque - and will be in the news 16 months later.
2011
We publish the first annual report
For the first time, we collect all our achievements in an record of activities. Since then, we are one of the few research teams that has its own annual report.
2012
iNatal is born, a bridge between fetal medicine and society
We collaborate in the creation of iNatal, a reference website on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. And the first with 100% reliable content created by specialists in maternal-fetal medicine.
2013
First specialized European
doctorate
We coordinate the first Erasmus Mundus joint doctorate program in fetal and perinatal medicine in collaboration with the University of Barcelona (Spain), and the Universities of Leuven (Belgium) and Lund (Sweden).
2013
BCNatal, pregnancy reference center
The consortium formed by the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona and the Hospital Clínic is created, a reference center in the care of the mother and the baby and also when complications occur in the fetus.
2014
Launched in society
We celebrate a recreational-scientific conference with associations of patients and pregnant women to promote healthy habits in pregnancy. With Michelin-starred chefs, we publish a recipe book for pregnant women.
2015
New line of research:
fetal therapy and surgery
Thanks to the support of CELLEX, we bring together experts in medical imaging, robotics, biomaterials and electronic and optical biosensors in search of high-precision treatments to develop better technologies for intrauterine interventions.
2016
IMPACT BCN, clinical trial in
pregnant women
We assess how interventions in the nutrition and emotional well-being of the mother impact on the newborn development.
2017
Improvements in the diagnosis of
impaired fetal growth
We published the RATIO37 protocol, a multicenter study that incorporates a new ultrasound parameter at week 37 of gestation to detect low birth weight and thus reduce the rate of stillbirth and complications in childbirth.
2018
The iNatal app is born
The first app for pregnancy designed by experts in maternal-fetal medicine, 100% personalized and rigorous. With plans in nutrition and mindfulness. Free download
2019
A new system to improve
fetal surgeries
Together with the Pompeu Fabra University, we develop a three-dimensional personalized pre-surgical planning system for cases with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
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