Fetal Medicine Services for a Safe Pregnancy

What is Maternal Fetal Medicine?

Fetal medicine, also known as maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) is a subspecialty of obstetrics that focuses on the health of the mother and fetus before, during, and after pregnancy. Fetal medicine has advanced in many ways to monitor and manage maternal and fetal health, including through technological innovations and medical breakthroughs.

Who are Fetal Medicine Specialists

Fetal Medicine Specialists are obstetricians and gynaecologists with additional training in managing high-risk pregnancies. They work with pregnant women and their primary obstetricians to address complications and optimize the health of both the mother and the fetus. Petals Imaging offers one of the best Fetal medicine Services in Kolkata. Learn why?

Role of Fetal Medicine in Obstetrics

• Advanced Ultrasound diagnosis: Fetal ultrasound has revolutionized prenatal care by providing detailed information about fetal growth, anatomy, and well-being throughout the pregnancy. This helps in the  early detection of abnormalities, and advanced technologies like 3D/4D ultrasounds can provide even more detailed information.
• Diagnostic tests: Maternal-fetal medicine specialists use various diagnostic tests and monitoring procedures to assess fetal health, including fetal echocardiography, genetic screening tests, and comprehensive maternal health assessments.
• Monitoring equipment: Equipment used to monitor fetal cardiac activity, maternal contractions, amniotic fluid volume, and vascular resistance includes external fetal monitors, intravenous oxytocin, vibroacoustic stimulators, and ultrasound with Doppler velocimetry.

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How is Fetal Medicine Different from getting your scans done at an ultrasound clinic?

Fetal medicine represents a significant advancement in the way pregnancies are monitored and managed compared to traditional or "old-school" pregnancy care. Traditional care relied on physical assessments, such as measuring the belly (fundal height) to estimate fetal growth, using a stethoscope to hear the baby’s heartbeat, and monitoring maternal symptoms. Ultrasound was used sparingly and mainly for basic imaging. Fetal medicine combines cutting-edge technology, advanced imaging, and specialized knowledge to provide a much deeper understanding of fetal and maternal health.

Here’s are some of the key differences between getting Pregnancy Monitoring done at a Fetal medicine Clinic vs a non-specialised Ultrasound clinic. 1. Advanced Diagnostics Old methods used physical measurements and basic ultrasounds. Fetal medicine employs cutting-edge tools like 3D/4D ultrasounds, Doppler imaging, and fetal MRIs to provide detailed insights into fetal health. 2. Fetal-Centric Approach Traditional care focused on maternal health as a proxy for fetal well-being. Fetal medicine treats the baby as an individual patient, conducting specialized tests to monitor development. 3. Early Detection Old-school care often identified abnormalities late, sometimes after birth. Fetal medicine detects issues like heart defects or growth restrictions early, enabling timely interventions. 4. Specialized Interventions In the past, care was limited to post-birth treatments. Fetal medicine offers in-utero procedures, such as blood transfusions and surgeries, to address complications during pregnancy. 5. Tailored Risk Management Traditional care took a generalized approach. Fetal medicine customizes care based on high-risk factors like advanced maternal age, multiple pregnancies, or preexisting conditions. 6. Multidisciplinary Collaboration Old-school monitoring involved fewer specialists. Fetal medicine centers integrate obstetricians, neonatologists, and genetic counselors for comprehensive care. 7. Evidence-Based Decisions Fetal medicine uses advanced data from imaging and tests to guide care, while old methods relied more on experience and symptoms. By prioritizing precision, early detection, and tailored interventions, fetal medicine ensures the best outcomes for both mother and baby, far surpassing the capabilities of traditional pregnancy monitoring.

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Conclusion

Fetal medicine revolutionizes pregnancy monitoring by focusing on advanced diagnostics, specialized care, and proactive interventions. Unlike old-school methods that relied on basic monitoring and reactive care, fetal medicine offers precision, early detection, and tailored management to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby. Choosing fetal medicine over traditional monitoring isn’t just about better technology—it’s about empowering parents with knowledge, ensuring comprehensive care, and enhancing the safety and well-being of both mother and child.

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List of Scans During Pregnancy:

Here’s a list of typical scans performed during pregnancy, arranged chronologically by weeks:

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12):

1. Early Pregnancy Scan (4–6 weeks):
   • Identifying Gestational Sac and location of the pregnancy. Sometimes it may be difficult to determine if the pregnancy is viable at this stage.
   • Addresses concerns like vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or suspected miscarriage.
2. Dating and Viability Scan (6–8 weeks):
   • Confirms pregnancy.
   • Checks for fetal heartbeat, number of fetuses, and estimated gestational age.
3. Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11–14 weeks):
   • Part of the first-trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
   • Measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck.

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Second Trimester (Weeks 13–28):

3. Anatomy (Anomaly) Scan (18–22 weeks):
   • Detailed examination of the baby’s organs, limbs, and spine.
   • Assesses placenta position, amniotic fluid levels, and fetal growth.
4. Cervical Length Scan (16–24 weeks, if needed):
   • Checks for cervical insufficiency in high-risk pregnancies.

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Third Trimester (Weeks 29–40):

5. Growth Scan (28–32 weeks):
   • Monitors baby’s growth, position, and amniotic fluid levels.
   • Checks for complications like restricted growth.
6. Doppler Ultrasound (32–36 weeks, if needed):
   • Evaluates blood flow in the umbilical cord and fetal vessels to ensure proper oxygen and nutrient delivery.
7. Position/Wellbeing Scan (36–40 weeks):
   • Confirms the baby’s position (head-down, breech, etc.).
   • Assesses placenta, fluid levels, and overall health.

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Additional/Optional Scans:

• Fetal Echocardiography (18–24 weeks): For detailed assessment of the baby’s heart in high-risk cases.
• Biophysical Profile (BPP) (Late third trimester): Combines an ultrasound with a non-stress test for high-risk pregnancies.