What is Fetal Medicine?
In the rapidly evolving field of obstetrics; a sub specialty that has come to the fore front more so in the last two decades is Fetal Medicine. Fetal Medicine involves three broad aspects of antenatal care – “Sonography” which is the corner stone of Fetal medicine (NT scan, anomaly scan, fetal echocardiography, fetal Dopplers), “counselling” and “pre-natal invasive procedures” (Amniocentesis, Chorion villus sampling, Selective fetal reduction, intra uterine transfusion, intra uterine lasers for Twin to twin transfusion, interstitial lasers etc.).
Fetal medicine has slowly but steadily entrenched itself in routine antenatal care. Currently obstetrics without fetal medicine would be unthinkable and grossly incomplete.
The fetus is assessed in detail across all trimesters with specific sonographies. It includes:
- NT scan and Dual marker at 11-13 weeks - to screen for common genetic abnormalities like Down’s syndrome.
- Anomaly scan at 19 weeks to look for structural malformations in the brain, heart, spine etc. and
- Growth and Doppler scans to keep track of the baby’s growth in the third trimester.
Further advanced testing like NIPS (Noninvasive prenatal screening), invasive testing like amniocentesis and chorion villus sampling etc. can also be offered based on detail counseling.
Invasive tests are also available for families struggling with genetic disorders like thalassemia and many others as they can now find out whether their unborn child is affected with the same.
Dr. Ashwini Rathi shares a passion for providing exceptional, comprehensive care for mothers and babies experiencing complex fetal conditions.
She provides an atmosphere of compassion, knowing that patients and families are sometimes dealing with difficult decisions and fears about the future.
Dr. Ashwini Rathi is Director of Mumbai Fetal Medicine Centre, Irla Parimal society, Off Juhu lane. Andheri (W) and a consultant at Surya Mother and Child hospital, Santacruz.
For appointments please call – +91-8669227227.