Fetal Medicine
Fetal Medicine
Our Fetal Medicine experts are concerned with the health of the fetus at every stage – monitoring growth & development; predicting, detecting & managing any complications; and treating congenital disorders & anomalies in the womb itself.
WHY FETAL SCANS?
- Evaluate your baby’s growth – monitor baby’s movement, breathing and heart rate.
- Study the placenta and amniotic fluid levels – determine the position of the placenta & assess the amniotic fluid around the baby.
- Identify birth defects & Developmental abnormalities – assess the risk of the baby being affected by certain chromosomal abnormalities e.g. Down syndrome
NT scan
Nuchal translucency (NT) is the sonographic appearance of a collection of fluid under the skin behind the fetal neck in the first-trimester of pregnancy. The term translucency is used, irrespective of whether it is septated or not and whether it is confined to the neck or envelopes the whole fetus. In fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities, cardiac defects and many genetic syndromes the NT thickness is increased.
Screening by NT can detect about 80% of fetuses with trisomy 21 and other major aneuploides for a false positive rate of 5%. The combination of NT and maternal serum free β-hCG and PAPP-A improves the detection to 90%. There is now evidence that the detection rate can increase to about 95% and the false positive rate can be reduced to 3% by also examining the nasal bone, ductus venosus flow and tricuspid flow.
Anomaly Scan
The fetal anomaly scan is a detailed ultrasound scan performed to take a closer look at the womb and the baby between weeks 18-21 of pregnancy.
- This is a detailed assessment of the physical structures of the baby at around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. Special attention is paid to the brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, bowel, kidneys and limbs of the baby.
- Checking the position of the placenta.
- Checking the growth and water around the baby.
- Checking the length of Cervix ( Lower end of uterus) if it is applicable.
Growth Scan And Dopplers
A growth scan is usually done in the last trimester of pregnancy to check for the growth of the fetus along with other parameters like amniotic fluid. The number of growth scans required may vary with each patient depending on the clinical condition of the patient. In general, the first growth scan is done at around 28 weeks. Further scans, if required, are decided based on the findings of this scan. If everything is normal, a second growth scan is usually done around 36 weeks and this scan is usually combined with Doppler scan.
Amniocentesis
At Motherhood, we understand the importance of careful monitoring of the foetus. The Foetal Medicine Department is fully equipped with latest technologies to assess the growth and development of your unborn baby at various stages of the pregnancy. This diagnosis also helps in early detection of illnesses and abnormalities, enabling early treatments and prevent the mother and child from getting harmed.
Genetic Testing Counseling
Our fetal medicine fellows will discuss your history, and offer families with pregnancy complications the advanced fetal diagnostic and clinical resources.
We make sure you receive the best possible care.
Evaluation of your family history.
Our genetic counselors will discuss the health of your pregnancy and make recommendations based on your family’s history.
Advice about non-invasive and minimally invasive tests.
When you need help understanding the purpose, risks, benefits and limits of diagnostic procedures, our genetic counselors will talk with you about what to expect.
Compassionate family counseling.
It can be difficult to navigate the emotional challenges that surround the diagnosis of a fetal condition. Our genetic counselors are here to provide you with support when you need it.