Baby Hadley’s Spinal Cord Was Exposed Before Birth — So Doctors Operated While She Was Still Inside Her Mother’s Womb

For Katie and Derek, the excitement of expecting another daughter changed when doctors discovered a serious problem during their pregnancy in 2024.

Their unborn baby, Hadley, had spina bifida — a congenital condition in which the spine does not develop and close completely.

In Hadley’s case, the diagnosis was myelomeningocele, a severe form of the condition that left her spinal cord and nerves exposed.

Her parents faced a difficult decision: wait until their daughter was born for treatment or consider an operation before she had even taken her first breath.

A Diagnosis That Changed Their Pregnancy

Hadley’s spinal defect placed her at risk of nerve damage, mobility difficulties and bladder complications.

The family’s medical team in Rhode Island recommended open fetal surgery, which would involve opening Katie’s uterus to access the baby.

But Katie and Derek wanted to understand every available option.

They began contacting hospitals in other states and eventually connected with Boston Children’s Hospital.

A Different Way to Reach Their Unborn Daughter

At Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center, the couple met fetal surgeon Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz and neurosurgeon Dr. Wes Northam.

The team discussed fetoscopic repair, a less invasive approach that uses specialized instruments to reach the fetus without fully opening the uterus.

The parents understood that no procedure could guarantee their daughter’s future mobility. However, they believed this approach offered Hadley an important opportunity while also considering Katie’s surgical risks.

Three Small Incisions and a Delicate Operation

In August 2024, surgeons performed Hadley’s fetal repair.

Using three small incisions in Katie’s abdomen, the medical team accessed the uterus and repaired the baby’s exposed spinal defect.

Both mother and daughter recovered well from the procedure, although they required careful monitoring afterward.

The family remained in close contact with the Boston Children’s specialists throughout the rest of the pregnancy.

She Finally Arrived on October 22

On October 22, 2024, Hadley was born at almost 38 weeks of pregnancy.

She was admitted to Boston Children’s neonatal intensive care unit for observation, where Dr. Northam regularly assessed her recovery from the prenatal operation.

Eight days later, Katie and Derek were finally able to bring their daughter home.

Waiting for her was her older sister, Brynlee.

Every Milestone Became a Family Victory

When Boston Children’s published Hadley’s story in August 2025, she was nine months old.

She continued receiving multidisciplinary care, including physical therapy and follow-up appointments with orthopedic and urology specialists.

Her parents described her as curious, playful and full of energy.

Although Hadley would continue needing medical support as she grew, her family celebrated the progress she had already made.

Her journey was a reminder that treatment for some serious congenital conditions can begin long before a child is born — and that the care continues well beyond the operating room.

Source: Boston Children’s Hospital, August 15, 2025 — Choosing Fetoscopic Spina Bifida Care for Hadley.