Fetal Medicine

Why is Fetal Medicine important?

Fetal Medicine is important for both, the mother and the fetus growing inside her. No matter how unique or challenging your pregnancy is, fetal medicine can prove to be beneficial in the long run. One of the most important and noteworthy benefits is the detection of potential health issues in the fetus. It also helps to analyze the presence of any genetic or chromosomal abnormalities and addresses them at the earliest. It involves a variety of procedures that make it possible for doctors to thoroughly assess important structures and organs, such as the heart, brain, spine and kidneys.

In the case of high-risk pregnancies, Fetal Medicine can help to keep a regular track of fetal health and well-being. With regular and keen monitoring, it becomes possible to catch early signs of potential complications and manage them in a much more effective way with medications, lifestyle modifications and necessary interventions.

Fetal Medicine gives a sense of confidence and surety to the expecting couple, by giving vital information related to the babys overall well-being and development through various stages of pregnancy.

Important scans during various weeks of pregnancy

First Trimester

It is the earliest stage of pregnancy that starts from conception and lasts till the 12th week of pregnancy.

Week 6 to Week 10 (Pregnancy confirmation): You will need to go for a USG to confirm the pregnancy, determine whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy, detect the signs of cardiac activity and rule out complications like ectopic pregnancy and adnexal mass. This is also important for accurate dating.

Week 11 to Week 13+6 (Down Syndrome screening and a Nuchal Translucency Scan): USG is performed on the fetus to assess Nuchal Translucency, nasal bone, ductus venous and tricuspid valve, as well as to determine the potential risks of Down Syndrome. Biochemical screening may also be done for Down Syndrome and Preeclampsia. Early assessment for detecting any fetal anomalies may also be done.

Second Trimester

It is the mid-stage of the pregnancy, which starts from the 13th week of pregnancy and lasts till the 26th week.

Week 18 to Week 20 (Malformation/Anomaly Scan): A detailed scan will be done to detect the presence of any structural anomalies in the important structures, such as the brain, face, spine, stomach, limbs, kidneys, bladder and heart of the fetus. To determine any potential risks of preterm labour, your cervix will be measured. Uterine artery Doppler may be done if it is a high-risk pregnancy to look out for any signs of preeclampsia and growth abnormalities.

Week 18 to Week 26 (Fetal ECHO): To thoroughly assess the heart and connecting vessels of the fetus, an echocardiogram will be done. This is important if you have a personal or family history of a heart-related condition such as cardiac defects and diabetes. You may also need it if your USG reports show Nuchal Translucency or any structural abnormalities in the fetus. This helps to detect early signs of any heart disease and manage it with timely intervention to alleviate the risks of any future complications.

Third Trimester

It is the final stage of the pregnancy, which starts from the 27th week of pregnancy and lasts till the baby is born.

Week 26 to Week 40 (Fetal growth and colour Doppler): Ultrasound is done to evaluate the growth and development of the fetus, assess fetal weight and localize liquor & placenta.

Week 24 to Week 34 (Scanning): These help to provide vital information and play a crucial role in prenatal bonding.

Fetal Medicine Facilities available at Surya

Comprehensive Obstetrical Level III Ultrasound by Feto-Maternal Expert for confirmation of Pregnancy and dating scan

• First Trimester Screening (Nuchal Translucency, Nasal bone, Ductus Venous, Tricuspid regurgitation, along with first-trimester assessment for fetal anomalies) (11 to 13+6 weeks)
• Early anomaly scan (>16 weeks)
• Detailed Anomaly scan (>18 weeks)
• Fetal Growth scan / Estimated fetal weight, liquor & placenta localization (>26 weeks)
• Fetal Color Doppler (IUGR screening and growth monitoring using special statistical monitoring software for the Indian population) (>26 weeks)
• Fetal Echocardiography-ECHO (18-28 weeks)
• Multiple pregnancy assessment and management of complications
• Prediction of mid-trimester miscarriage and preterm labour - Cervical length assessment
• Transvaginal USG (TVS)
• State of art 3D/4D Ultrasound

Prenatal Genetic Screening

• Combined first-trimester screening for Down's Syndrome (Nuchal translucency with Dual marker test)
• Combined first-trimester screening for Down's Syndrome and preeclampsia (Uterine artery Doppler with biochemistry with Dual marker)
• Second trimester Down's syndrome screening (Quadruple /Triple test)

Interventional Diagnostic Procedures

• Amniocentesis (16 - 20 weeks)
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) (11-14 weeks)
• Fetal Blood Sampling (FBS, cordocentesis) (18 - 26 weeks)
• Placental biopsy

Interventional Therapeutic Procedures

• Multifetal pregnancy reduction (Triplets and higher-order pregnancy) (11-14 weeks)
• Selective feticide (less than 20 weeks)
• Therapeutic amnioreduction
• Dedicated pre-test and post-test counselling by experts