Fetal medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology that focuses on the medical care of fetuses and pregnant women. It involves the use of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to identify, diagnose, and treat fetal disorders and complications during pregnancy. These techniques may include prenatal imaging, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fetal echocardiography, to create detailed images of the unborn baby. Genetic testing, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, may also be used to identify any genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
In some cases, fetal medicine may involve the use of fetal interventions, such as fetal surgery or fetoscopic procedures, to treat certain conditions in utero. For example, fetal surgery may be used to repair a birth defect or to remove a tumor from the fetus. Fetal medicine specialists may also work closely with other medical professionals, such as neonatologists and perinatologists, to provide comprehensive care to pregnant women and their unborn babies.
The ultimate goal of fetal medicine is to improve the health and well-being of both the mother and the unborn baby, and to prevent or mitigate any potential complications that may arise during pregnancy. This may involve providing education and support to pregnant women, monitoring the health of the fetus and the mother, and providing timely interventions to address any concerns or complications. By focusing on the unique needs of pregnant women and their unborn babies, fetal medicine specialists aim to provide the best possible care for both patients throughout the pregnancy and delivery.
Specialized Fetal Services
An NT scan, also known as a nuchal translucency scan, is a prenatal ultrasound examination that is used to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in an unborn baby. The test measures the amount of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck, which is known as the nuchal translucency. This fluid accumulation is often seen in fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13.
The NT scan is typically performed between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy, and is often combined with a blood test to assess the levels of certain proteins in the mother’s blood. The results of the NT scan and blood test are used to calculate the risk of the fetus having a chromosomal abnormality, and the information can help the parents and their healthcare provider make informed decisions about further testing and management.
While the NT scan is a useful tool in identifying fetuses at increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, it is important to note that it is not a diagnostic test. If the NT scan indicates an increased risk, further testing, such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
An anomaly scan, also known as a mid-pregnancy scan or a fetal anomaly scan, is a prenatal ultrasound examination that is performed to assess the development and health of an unborn baby. The scan is typically performed between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy, and is used to look for any structural abnormalities or birth defects in the fetus.
During the anomaly scan, the ultrasound technician will use specialized equipment to create detailed images of the unborn baby. These images will be used to assess the baby’s growth and development, and to look for any abnormalities in the baby’s organs, limbs, and other structures. The technician will also measure the baby’s size and check the position of the placenta, as well as the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
The anomaly scan is an important part of prenatal care, as it can help identify any potential problems with the baby’s development. This information can be used to make informed decisions about the pregnancy and delivery, and to plan for any necessary medical interventions. It is important to note that while the anomaly scan is a valuable tool, it is not always able to detect all abnormalities, and further testing may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that involves the removal of a small sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus of a pregnant woman. The fluid, which surrounds the developing baby in the uterus, contains fetal cells that can be used to diagnose genetic disorders and other conditions in the unborn baby.
Amniocentesis is typically performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, and is usually recommended for women who are at an increased risk of having a baby with a genetic disorder or chromosomal abnormality. This may include women who are over the age of 35, have a family history of genetic conditions, or have had an abnormal result on a prenatal screening test, such as a nuchal translucency scan or a maternal serum screening test.
The procedure for amniocentesis is performed by a healthcare provider, who uses ultrasound guidance to locate the baby and the amniotic sac in the uterus. A thin needle is then inserted through the abdomen and into the uterus, and a small sample of amniotic fluid is removed. The fluid is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results are typically available within a few weeks.
Amniocentesis is considered a safe and effective way to diagnose genetic disorders and other conditions in the unborn baby. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved, including a small risk of miscarriage and infection. It is important for pregnant women to discuss the potential benefits and risks of amniocentesis with their healthcare provider before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal diagnostic test that involves the removal of a small sample of tissue from the placenta. The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides the baby with oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s blood. The chorionic villi are finger-like projections of the placenta that are made up of the same tissue as the developing baby.
CVS is typically performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy, and is usually recommended for women who are at an increased risk of having a baby with a genetic disorder or chromosomal abnormality. This may include women who are over the age of 35, have a family history of genetic conditions, or have had an abnormal result on a prenatal screening test, such as a nuchal translucency scan or a maternal serum screening test.
The procedure for CVS is performed by a healthcare provider, who uses ultrasound guidance to locate the placenta and the chorionic villi. A thin needle or a small catheter is then inserted through the abdomen and into the uterus, and a small sample of tissue is removed. The tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results are typically available within a few days.
CVS is considered a safe and effective way to diagnose genetic disorders and other conditions in the unborn baby. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved, including a small risk of miscarriage and infection. It is important for pregnant women to discuss the potential benefits and risks of CVS with their healthcare provider before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal diagnostic test that involves the removal of a small sample of tissue from the placenta. The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides the baby with oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s blood. The chorionic villi are finger-like projections of the placenta that are made up of the same tissue as the developing baby.
CVS is typically performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy, and is usually recommended for women who are at an increased risk of having a baby with a genetic disorder or chromosomal abnormality. This may include women who are over the age of 35, have a family history of genetic conditions, or have had an abnormal result on a prenatal screening test, such as a nuchal translucency scan or a maternal serum screening test.
The procedure for CVS is performed by a healthcare provider, who uses ultrasound guidance to locate the placenta and the chorionic villi. A thin needle or a small catheter is then inserted through the abdomen and into the uterus, and a small sample of tissue is removed. The tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results are typically available within a few days.
CVS is considered a safe and effective way to diagnose genetic disorders and other conditions in the unborn baby. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved, including a small risk of miscarriage and infection. It is important for pregnant women to discuss the potential benefits and risks of CVS with their healthcare provider before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.
A fetal blood transfusion is a medical procedure in which blood is transferred from one individual to another in utero. This type of transfusion is typically performed on a fetus when there is a problem with the baby’s blood or when the baby is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s blood.
There are several reasons why a fetal blood transfusion may be necessary. For example, a baby may have a condition called fetal anemia, in which the baby’s blood is unable to carry enough oxygen to the body’s tissues. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, blood disorders, or problems with the placenta. In some cases, the mother may have an incompatible blood type with the baby, which can cause the baby to develop anemia.
A fetal blood transfusion is typically performed using a specialized procedure called fetoscopy. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a fetoscope is inserted through the mother’s abdomen and uterus and into the fetus’s body. The fetoscope is used to locate a blood vessel in the baby’s body, and a small amount of blood is then transfused into the baby through the fetoscope.
Fetal blood transfusions are considered a safe and effective way to treat fetal anemia and other conditions that affect the baby’s blood. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved, including the risk of infection and complications from the transfusion itself. It is important for pregnant women to discuss the potential benefits and risks of a fetal blood transfusion with their healthcare provider before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.
Fetal reduction, also known as selective reduction or multifetal pregnancy reduction, is a medical procedure that involves the termination of one or more fetuses in a multiple pregnancy. This type of procedure is typically performed when a multiple pregnancy is at high risk of complications, such as preterm labor, birth defects, or health problems in the mother or the remaining fetuses.
Fetal reduction is typically performed using a specialized procedure called fetoscopy. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a fetoscope is inserted through the mother’s abdomen and uterus and into the uterus. The fetoscope is used to locate the fetuses and confirm the number of fetuses present. The healthcare provider then injects a medication into the fetuses to terminate them.
Fetal reduction is a controversial procedure, and it is not always medically necessary. In some cases, it may be possible to manage a high-risk multiple pregnancy without resorting to fetal reduction. It is important for pregnant women to discuss the potential benefits and risks of fetal reduction with their healthcare provider before making a decision about whether to undergo the procedure.