Fetal Medicine

A fetal medicine specialist manages high-risk pregnancies, performs detailed fetal ultrasounds, conducts prenatal diagnostic tests like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, diagnoses fetal abnormalities, and coordinates multidisciplinary care for complex cases.

Referral is recommended if you have a history of pregnancy complications, abnormal prenatal screening results, multiple gestations (twins or more), pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension, advanced maternal age, or if a fetal abnormality is suspected.

The nuchal translucency (NT) scan is an ultrasound performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy that measures fluid at the back of the baby's neck. An increased measurement may indicate a higher risk for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.

Some conditions can be treated in utero through fetal surgery or interventional procedures, such as laser therapy for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, placement of shunts for urinary obstructions, or blood transfusions for fetal anemia. Treatment availability depends on the specific condition.

Amniocentesis carries a small risk of miscarriage, estimated at about 0.1 to 0.3 percent. It is performed under ultrasound guidance to minimize risks and is recommended when the diagnostic benefit outweighs the procedural risk, such as confirming chromosomal abnormalities.