Foetal Medicine
At Empire Hospital, our foetal medicine specialists are dedicated to overseeing the health of both the mother and foetus before, during, and after pregnancy. We have designed a comprehensive system of routine check-ups and laboratory tests to efficiently diagnose abnormalities and prevent high risks for both the baby and mother. Our goal is to provide thorough evaluation and diagnostics for all stages of foetal development, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and child.
With this advanced equipment and skilled team, we are committed to delivering exceptional care in ear, nose, and throat surgeries at Empire Hospital.
This scan is conducted to monitor the baby’s heartbeat, determine the expected delivery date, and assess whether the pregnancy involves a single fetus, twins, or multiples. In rare instances, this scan can also detect ectopic pregnancies, where fetal development occurs outside the uterus, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment.
During the 11-14 week period, a prenatal ultrasound can provide valuable information about the baby’s development, including the heartbeat and growth. This ultrasound can also confirm whether the pregnancy is single, twin, or multiple. Additionally, it allows for the visualization of the baby’s head, spine, hands, feet, stomach, bladder, heart, and most other organs, providing reassurance that everything is developing normally.
One important measurement taken during this ultrasound is the nuchal translucency (NT), which is a small amount of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck. The measurement of NT can help predict the probability of chromosomal abnormalities (foetal aneuploidy) in the baby. When combined with a blood test called Double Marker or NITT, the NT test can provide even more accurate predictions regarding foetal chromosomal status.
In cases of twin pregnancies, the 11-14 week ultrasound can accurately determine whether there is one or two placentas. If there is only one placenta shared between the twins, this type of pregnancy requires special care and monitoring.
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is a common and potentially life-threatening complication, affecting approximately 1 in 20 pregnant women. Screening for pre-eclampsia is typically performed in the first trimester, often in conjunction with the Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan. Early detection through screening is crucial, as it can help protect the health of both the baby and the mother, and improve outcomes for the pregnancy.
In this detailed scan the internal and external anatomy of the foetus is examined to detect any major defects as well as smaller chromosomal abnormalities or any genetic syndrome.
During this sonography the baby’s head, face, heart, lungs, stomach, bladder, kidney, and limbs (hands and feet) are seen in detail. The movements of the foetus, foetal growth, part of the baby’s umblical cord, location of placenta, length of cervix and doppler test is done.
In case any deviation found on this anomaly scan, management can be done at this stage.
Fetal echocardiography provides a detailed view of the structure and function of the fetal heart. If any abnormalities are detected during the examination, parents are counseled on the findings and further management options.
The third-trimester ultrasound, also known as a growth scan, is a crucial examination to assess the baby’s development and well-being. It evaluates the baby’s growth, the amount of amniotic fluid (liquor), and the position of the placenta. Detecting a low-lying placenta early is vital, as it can lead to complications. By identifying this condition in advance through ultrasound, healthcare providers can take preventive measures to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Additionally, if the amniotic fluid level is abnormal, timely intervention can be provided to address any potential issues.
Doppler study is an ultrasound scan used to assess the blood flow in the fetus’s body, including the brain, umbilical cord, and heart. Detecting any abnormalities in the Doppler study allows for the timely adjustment of the delivery date to optimize fetal outcomes.
The biophysical profile (BPP) test is a prenatal screening tool that combines fetal heart rate monitoring (nonstress test) and ultrasound imaging to assess the well-being of the baby. It evaluates the baby’s heart rate, breathing movements, body movements, muscle tone, and the level of amniotic fluid. Based on these criteria, a score is assigned to the test.
The BPP score helps healthcare providers determine if the baby is receiving enough oxygen and nutrients and if there are any potential issues that require intervention. If the BPP score indicates a need for intervention, healthcare providers can take appropriate steps to ensure the health and well-being of both the baby and the mother.
A high-risk pregnancy is characterized by an increased likelihood of serious complications for the mother and/or baby compared to the general population. Factors that can contribute to a high-risk pregnancy include advanced maternal age, certain pregnancy conditions (such as gestational diabetes, carrying twins or triplets, pre-eclampsia, a short cervix, intrauterine growth restriction, etc.), and pre-existing maternal medical conditions (such as heart disease, thyroid disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus, renal disease, infections, etc.).
Management of a high-risk pregnancy typically involves close monitoring and frequent medical tests. This may include regular blood tests, urine exams, frequent ultrasounds, glucose tolerance tests, and other tests as recommended by our expert team. Our goal is to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and baby by closely monitoring and managing any potential risks throughout the pregnancy.
