What is Fetal Medicine?

Fetal medicine is a specialized branch of care focused on monitoring and managing the health of both the mother and her unborn baby throughout pregnancy. It combines advanced imaging, genetic testing, and medical interventions to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.

Why Fetal Medicine Services Are Needed

These services are crucial for:

• Early detection of birth defects or genetic conditions
• Monitoring of high-risk pregnancies (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, multiple pregnancies)
• Assessing fetal growth and development
• Guiding interventions if complications arise
• Offering counseling to expectant parents

Key Fetal Medicine Services

1. Ultrasound Scans

• Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan: Performed between 11-13 weeks to screen for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.
• Anomaly Scan: Conducted between 18-22 weeks to evaluate fetal anatomy and detect any congenital abnormalities.
• Doppler Ultrasound: Monitors blood flow to the baby, ensuring proper oxygen and nutrient supply.

2. Genetic Testing

• Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): A blood test to screen for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): A diagnostic test done between 10-13 weeks to check for genetic disorders.
• Amniocentesis: Performed between 15-20 weeks to test for genetic disorders and infections.

3. Fetal Interventions

• Intrauterine Blood Transfusion: Used to treat anemia in the baby.
• Fetal Shunt Placement: Drains excess fluid from organs, helping to treat fetal complications.
• Laser Therapy: Used to treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a rare condition affecting identical twins.

4. High-Risk Pregnancy Management

• Preterm Labor Prevention: Monitoring and managing the risk of early labor.
• Preeclampsia Monitoring: Ongoing care for women with high blood pressure during pregnancy.
• Gestational Diabetes Care: Managing diabetes that develops during pregnancy to prevent complications.

What to Expect During a Fetal Medicine Consultation

• Medical History Review: Discussing your pregnancy history, risk factors, and family history.
• Ultrasound Scan: High-quality imaging to monitor the baby's development.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests, amniocentesis, or genetic testing as necessary.
• Personalized Care Plan: A plan tailored to your specific needs, based on the consultation findings.

Post-Consultation Guidelines

• Follow-up scans/tests: Additional check-ups as recommended by your fetal medicine specialist.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Suggestions regarding diet, rest, and prescribed medications.
• Emotional Support: Counseling services available for expecting parents to address any concerns.

Why Choose Fetal Medicine?

• Early detection of potential pregnancy complications.
• Specialized care for high-risk pregnancies.
• Advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
• Multidisciplinary team: Collaboration between fetal specialists, geneticists, and neonatologists ensures the best care.

Fetal medicine provides the best possible care for both mother and baby. If your pregnancy is high-risk or if you have concerns, consider consulting with a fetal medicine specialist to receive expert guidance and support.