Overview
Fetal Medicine is an important subspecialty area of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Fetal medicine is the specialized wing of obstetrics aiding the obstetrician to detect and treat abnormalities and growth-related problems of the unborn child while still in the mother's womb. Our trained fetal medicine specialists, equipped with state-of-the-art ultrasound machines with 3D and 4D probes, conduct diagnostic scanning and interventional procedures to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
At our facility, we understand the critical importance of early detection and intervention in fetal medicine. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive care for expectant mothers and their unborn children, offering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services. We work closely with obstetricians to manage high-risk pregnancies, ensuring that any potential complications are addressed promptly and effectively.
Our goal is to provide a holistic approach to fetal medicine, focusing on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of both the mother and the child. We offer pre-pregnancy counselling to help couples understand and prepare for any potential risks, and our high-risk obstetrical consultations ensure that both routine and complex cases receive the attention they need. With a commitment to excellence and compassionate care, our fetal medicine department is dedicated to supporting families through every step of their pregnancy journey.
Services
Fetal Scanning Procedures:
-
Routine and tertiary level ultrasound according to Fetal Medicine Foundation, UK guidelines and protocols by certified and accredited specialists.
-
Targeted scan
-
Growth and doppler scans
-
3D and 4D scans
-
Fetal echocardiography – detailed study of the fetal heart
-
First trimester ultrasound screening for chromosomal anomalies and early detection of major abnormalities
-
High-risk obstetrical consultations
-
Pre-pregnancy counselling to detect abnormalities of the fetus
Fetal Diagnostic and Invasive Procedures:
-
Amniocentesis
-
Chorionic Villous Sampling
-
Cord blood sampling
-
Specialized screening for Down syndrome
-
Combined NT with blood test
-
Cell-free fetal DNA testing on maternal blood
-
Amnioreduction
-
Amnioinfusion
-
Intrauterine fetal blood transfusion
Gynaecological Procedures:
- Cyst aspirations both by the abdominal and vaginal routes
FAQ
Foetal medicine plays a crucial role in modern obstetrics by providing comprehensive care for both the mother and the fetus. It ensures early detection and management of potential complications, thereby improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing risks for both parties.
The importance of fetal medicine cannot be overstated, as it plays an important role in reducing the risk of stillbirth and improving pregnancy outcomes. By detecting and managing fetal conditions early on, healthcare providers can take steps to mitigate the risks and minimize the labour complications.
Common tests include ultrasound scans, genetic testing (such as NIPT), amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling, all of which help monitor and diagnose potential issues with the fetus.
Several factors can contribute to a high risk pregnancy. Some common ones include:
-
Advanced maternal age (over 35)
-
Pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases
-
Previous pregnancy complications like preterm birth, miscarriage, or birth defects
-
Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
-
Abnormal prenatal screening results
Common procedures include ultrasounds, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), fetal echocardiography, and fetal MRI. These tests help assess fetal health and diagnose conditions.
Fetal medicine specialists monitor and manage high-risk pregnancies by identifying potential issues early and providing interventions to optimize maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy.
Fetal therapy involves medical or surgical interventions performed on the fetus while still in the womb. It may include treatments to correct congenital anomalies or manage fetal conditions.