Fetal Medicine

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.

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.

Doppler scans measure the blood flow through the umbilical cord and different parts of the fetal body like the fetal brain and liver. This scan shows whether the fetus is getting all the oxygen and nutrients that it needs via the placenta. This scan is usually combined with the growth scan.

The Information We Get From The Growth Scan Is

• The weight of the fetus, whether it is appropriate, more or less than expected.
• Fluid around the fetus (whether it is adequate, less or more).
• The blood supply going to the fetus.
• Check the level of amniotic fluid.
• Movements of the fetus and well being of the fetus.
• Check the position of the fetus and placenta.

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.

Foetal medicine services
Necessary preventative and curative treatments are administered in a timely manner at Motherhood hospitals. We are equipped with advanced scanning machines to aid in diagnosis. We have a team of experienced Ultrasound Specialists who monitor both the mother and child with the help of state-of-the-art 3D/4D ultrasound scanning equipment.

First Trimester Scan

• Estimates date of delivery
• Checks pregnancy for twins
• To confirm the site of placental implantation

CVS is a test performed during pregnancy to check for all types of chromosomal abnormalities and prenatal diagnosis of certain genetic disorders like thalassemia in the baby.

Mostly it is done to rule out chromosomal and genetic disorders in the baby and is offered in the following situations:

• When there is a ‘high risk’ for chromosomal disorders on first trimester screening
• When there is an abnormality in the baby on the first trimester scan
• To rule out genetic disorders like thalassemia, sickle cell disease, muscular dystrophy etc.
• When you have a family history of a genetic disorder for which the genetic mutation is known

CVS is done by passing a needle through the mother’s tummy under local anaesthesia to obtain a small amount of tissue from the placenta (after-birth). The test is done under continuous ultrasound guidance so as to avoid the baby. In some cases, the needle may be needed to put in a second time if enough tissue is not obtained in the first attempt. It is usually done between 11 to 13 weeks of pregnancy; we prefer to do it at around 12 weeks when we can do the first trimester screening as well and rule out any structural abnormality in the baby. The placental tissue is sent to the laboratory for testing. For some tests, both parents blood samples are also needed.