Can a fetal ultrasound detect birth defects?

Question

Hello doctor,

My first baby passed away after delivery due to congenital heart disease (CHD). Currently, my wife is 37 weeks pregnant. We recently had a scan done for our baby, and the results are as follows:

Presentation: Cephalic.
Placenta: Left lateral wall, anterior.
Liquor: Normal.
Amniotic fluid index: 13.7.
Umbilical cord: Two arteries and one vein.
Fetal heart rate: 147 bpm.
Middle cerebral artery: PSV: 57.70 cm/s, PI: 2.17.
Umbilical artery: PI: 0.93.

Artery measurements

Middle cerebral artery: PSV: 57.7 cm/s, EDV: 7.9 cm/s, RI: 0.88, PI: 2.17.
Umbilical artery: PSV: 48.4 cm/s, EDV: 20.2 cm/s, RI: 0.59, PI: 0.93.

Could you please advise if I need to make any special arrangements regarding the delivery of my baby, and how is my baby's condition based on these results?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your query in detail. Please find my observations below:

The baby's head position is downward, which is favorable for vaginal delivery. The placenta is positioned along the left lateral wall, which is acceptable. The amount of amniotic fluid is within normal limits. The umbilical cord is normal, containing three vessels: one vein and two arteries. The heart rate is 147 beats per minute, which is normal. The peak systolic velocity at 37 weeks, showing 57.70 cm/sec, is normal. The umbilical artery PI of 0.93 is also normal.

In conclusion, your baby is developing normally, and no special precautions are required for delivery.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.