Categories
blog page

Early Pregnancy Screening: Ensuring Healthy Beginnings for Expectant Mothers and Babies

Early pregnancy screening is a vital step in ensuring the well-being of expectant mothers and their precious babies. These screenings, performed during the first trimester, are crucial for identifying potential risks and complications early on, setting the stage for a healthy and worry-free pregnancy journey. Let’s delve into the importance of early pregnancy screening in fetal medicine.

Why Early Pregnancy Screening Matters

  1. Timely Detection of Health Risks: Early screenings include blood tests and ultrasounds to check the mother’s health and assess the baby’s development. This timely detection of potential health risks allows for immediate intervention if needed.
  2. Accurate Due Date Estimation: Ultrasound scans during early screening help accurately estimate the due date, ensuring that the pregnancy progresses as expected.
  3. Detecting Multiple Pregnancies: Early ultrasounds can reveal if there are multiple babies on the way, allowing for appropriate care and preparations.

Key Components of Early Pregnancy Screening

  1. Blood Tests: These tests gauge the mother’s overall health, blood type, and screen for infections like HIV and syphilis, which could affect both mother and baby.
  2. Genetic Screening: Identifying genetic disorders early on empowers parents to make informed decisions about their baby’s health and well-being.
  3. Nuchal Translucency Screening: This specialized ultrasound measures the thickness of the baby’s neck tissue, assessing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.
  4. First Trimester Combined Screening: A combination of blood tests and ultrasound results in a comprehensive assessment of the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Benefits of Early Pregnancy Screening

  1. Peace of Mind: Expectant parents gain peace of mind by knowing that potential problems are being monitored and addressed promptly.
  2. Healthier Pregnancy: Early screening helps ensure the mother’s health, reducing complications during pregnancy.
  3. Healthy Babies: Identifying and managing potential issues early can lead to healthier outcomes for babies.

Conclusion

Early pregnancy screening is the cornerstone of fetal medicine. It empowers expectant mothers and fathers with the information they need to ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy journey. By embracing these screenings, you can lay the foundation for a bright and promising future for both the mother and the precious little one on the way. In the world of fetal medicine, early pregnancy screening is your best friend, guiding you towards a journey filled with hope and good health.

Categories
blog page

Unveiling Fetal Senses: How Baby Experience the World Before Birth?

Pregnancy is a wondrous journey, and understanding how your baby perceives the world before birth can deepen the connection between you and your growing little one. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating realm of fetal senses, shedding light on how your baby experiences life in the womb.

 The Beginning of Sensation

Your baby’s sensory journey begins early. By the end of the first trimester, they start to develop the building blocks for their senses. Here’s how each of these incredible fetal senses unfolds:

  1. Fetal Touch: Your baby’s skin forms by week 9, and by week 12, they can respond to touch. They may even squirm away if touched through the uterine wall.
  2. Fetal Taste: Around the end of the first trimester, taste buds start forming on your baby’s tongue. They can sense the flavors of what you eat through the amniotic fluid.
  3. Fetal Hearing: By week 18, your baby’s inner ear is well-developed. They can hear your heartbeat, the rumbling of your stomach, and the sound of your voice.
  4. Fetal Smell: Though not fully understood, your baby might detect certain odors from the amniotic fluid, like the foods you eat.
  5. Fetal Sight: Your baby’s eyes begin to form early, but their vision is quite blurry due to the darkness inside the womb.

The Symphony of Sounds

Your baby’s developing ears allow them to tune into a world of sounds. They become familiar with the soothing rhythm of your heartbeat, the gentle whooshing of your blood, and the comforting cadence of your voice.

Research suggests that babies can even recognise their parents’ voices and may respond to familiar sounds with movements.

The Sense of Touch

Inside the womb, your baby is surrounded by warm, cushiony fluid. They often touch their face, mouth, and body, gaining awareness of their own form. Sometimes, you may feel them responding to your touch as well.

Taste and Smell

The amniotic fluid is like a tiny sea where your baby floats. If you savor spicy foods or sweet treats, traces of those flavours can find their way to your baby. Their taste buds are forming, and they’re gradually getting accustomed to the world’s flavours.

The Play of Light and Shadow

Although it’s mostly dark inside the womb, your baby might sense changes in light and darkness when a bright light shines on your belly or when you move into a well-lit area. Their eyes are developing, but it’s in preparation for the world they’ll soon see after birth.

Bonding with Your Baby

Understanding fetal senses is a remarkable way to connect with your unborn baby. Talking to them, playing soothing music, or gently massaging your belly can be delightful ways to engage with your little one before they arrive.

Conclusion

Exploring fetal senses allows us to appreciate the incredible journey of growth and awareness that occurs within the womb. While the world your baby experiences is different from ours, it is no less captivating.

Cherish these precious moments of connection with your baby and eagerly await the day when they can fully explore the wonders of the world outside the womb.

Categories
blog page

Understanding Ultrasound Scans: Baby’s World Inside the Womb

Ultrasound scans are like magic windows to your baby’s world before they’re born. These special pictures use sound waves to show the baby, the placenta (the baby’s food provider), and the mommy’s body parts. We’ll take you on a tour of these scans, explain why they’re important, and tell you what happens during the visits.

What Are Ultrasound Scans?

Ultrasound scans are like taking baby photos, but before the baby is born. Doctors use a small machine with a special camera, called a transducer, that makes pictures using sound. It’s safe, and there’s no need to worry.

Kinds of Scans

Early Baby Checkup: This happens in the beginning to make sure the baby is in the right place and everything is okay.
Due Date Scan: Around 8 to 14 weeks, doctors check when the baby is due so they can follow the baby’s growth.
Big Checkup at 18-22 Weeks: This is like a detailed baby exam. Doctors look at all the baby’s organs and how the baby is growing.
Fancy 3D and 4D Scans: These make 3D pictures and even show the baby moving in real time!
Listening to Baby’s Heartbeat: Doctors use Doppler ultrasound to hear the baby’s heart and check if they’re getting enough food and oxygen.

Why Are Ultrasound Scans Important?

Keeping Tabs on the Baby: Scans help doctors see if the baby is growing well and staying healthy.

Spotting Problems: They can find any problems early, like if something isn’t quite right with the baby’s organs.

Seeing Twins or More: Scans tell us if there’s more than one baby in there, so we can prepare.

What Happens During a Scan?

You might need to drink some water and not go to the bathroom to get a clear picture.
A special jelly goes on your belly, and a machine moves a small device over it.

You can watch the screen to see your baby. The person doing the scan might explain what you’re seeing.
Feel free to ask questions or ask for pictures of your baby.

Are Ultrasound Scans Safe?

Yes, they’re safe! Unlike X-rays, they don’t use anything harmful. But it’s important to only get them when your doctor says you need one and make sure a trained person does it.

Ultrasound scans are like magical windows to your baby’s world inside your belly. They help you see your baby, check their health, and find any issues early. So enjoy the chance to connect with your baby before they’re born and trust your doctor to make sure you and your baby stay healthy and happy!

Categories
Fetal Medicine blog page

Fetal Development Milestones: A Journey from Conception to Birth

The journey of fetal development is nothing short of a miracle. From the moment of conception to the day of birth, an intricate and awe-inspiring process unfolds, shaping a tiny cluster of cells into a fully-formed baby. Understanding these milestones is not only fascinating but also crucial for expectant parents and healthcare professionals. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including Invasives, USG in Pregnancy, Non-Invasives, and Blood Tests, all aimed at ensuring the proper fetal development of your precious baby.

Conception: The Starting Point

Fetal development begins at the moment of conception when a sperm cell successfully fertilizes an egg. This magical union creates a single-cell zygote, packed with genetic material from both parents. This tiny zygote marks the very inception of your baby’s remarkable journey.

Weeks 1-4: Early Developments

During the first four weeks, the zygote rapidly divides into a blastocyst and skillfully implants itself into the mother’s uterus. The fetus begins its journey with the formation of the neural tube, which will eventually give rise to the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Astonishingly, the heart starts to beat around the fourth week, albeit in its simplest tube-like form.

Weeks 5-8: Formation of Organs

Vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys begin to take shape during this period. Limb buds make their debut, gradually turning the embryo into a more recognizable human form. As fetal development continues, the eyes, nose, and ears start to form, and the embryo’s size increases significantly.

Weeks 9-12: Rapid Growth

Weeks 9 to 12 mark a period of rapid growth and development. Fingers and toes take on a more defined shape, and the baby’s sex organs begin to differentiate, though they may not be discernible on an ultrasound at this point. Surprisingly, the tiny fetus begins to make coordinated muscle movements, even though the mother cannot yet feel them.

Weeks 13-16: Sensory Development

Between weeks 13 and 16, fetal development reaches another milestone. The baby can now hear and swallow, and the foundation of their sense of taste is laid. Movements become more coordinated, and astonishingly, the fetus begins to make facial expressions. During this time, eyebrows and eyelashes begin to form, and the baby’s skin becomes less translucent.

Weeks 17-20: Quickening and Growth

Around weeks 17 to 20, many expectant mothers experience quickening—the first sensations of their baby’s movements. Meanwhile, the baby’s bones continue to harden, and a fine layer of hair called lanugo covers their skin. Gender can often be determined through ultrasound, bringing an additional layer of excitement to the journey of fetal development.

Weeks 21-24: Viability

Weeks 21 to 24 are a critical stage when the baby’s lungs begin producing surfactant, a substance essential for breathing. Fingernails and toenails develop, and the baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled. Remarkably, with advancements in medical care, some babies born at this stage can survive with intensive medical support.

Weeks 25-28: Brain Growth

During this period, the baby’s brain experiences rapid growth, particularly in the cerebral cortex, the center of higher functions. They can open their eyes and may even respond to light and sound. Additionally, the immune system begins to mature, providing the baby with some initial defenses against infections.

Weeks 29-32: Final Preparations

As fetal development progresses into weeks 29 to 32, the baby accumulates fat under their skin, making it less translucent. The baby practices breathing movements, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, preparing for the transition to life outside the womb. The digestive system also matures, getting ready for the introduction of breast milk or formula.

Weeks 33-40: Home Stretch

In the final weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s head typically moves downward in preparation for birth, a phenomenon known as “engagement.” These weeks mark the culmination of fetal development, as the baby’s organs are fully formed, and they primarily focus on growth and gaining weight. Most babies are born between 37 and 42 weeks, considered full-term.

Ensuring Proper Fetal Development

Monitoring fetal development is vital for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and birth. We are dedicated to providing a range of services, including Invasives, USG in Pregnancy, Non-Invasives, and Blood Tests, all designed to assess and promote the proper development of your precious baby. Understanding these milestones helps expectant parents appreciate the incredible journey from conception to birth and make informed choices for the well-being of their baby.

Categories
blog page Thalassemia

Ways Thalassemia Can Impact Pregnancy and Family Planning

Blood-related genetic problems are a complex issue that can affect one’s family planning. Thalassemia is a common blood transfused disease that passes on from the parent to the child. It is transmitted by mutated haemoglobin cells. In India, around 10000 to 15000 babies are born with this problem.

More About Thalassemia:

Thalassemia, being an inherited medical condition, affects an infant badly. The body suffers from genetic mutation, where it cannot produce enough haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein structure in RBC responsible for carrying and supplying Oxygen to different body parts.

Symptoms of Thalassemia:

Conducting a thalassemia test of both parents is crucial before conceiving. The haemoglobin forming DNA of the thalassemia patients mutates in this problem. One can identify it through different symptoms, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Dark urine
  • Abnormal growth of the child
  • Yellow or pale skin
  • Deformities in facial structure

Causes of Thalassemia and its Testing:

The haemoglobin in the RBC is formed of two identical chains of proteins. These are identified as Alpha and Beta. Thalassemia is categorised into two parts. One can confirm on which the protein chain is damaged. Therefore, these are known as Alpha Thalassemia and Beta Thalassemia.

One can also classify thalassemia based on its severity. These are broadly classified into three parts:

  • Thalassemia Trait: In this case, one parent possesses an abnormal DNA haemoglobin molecule. The other one may have a normal genetic structure. In such cases, the child will carry the Thalassemia trait with mild anaemia.
  • Thalassemia Major: As the name suggests, this type of thalassemia is a major issue that needs immediate medical attention. The baby of a parent with two defective gene sets may suffer from this problem.
  • Thalassemia Intermedia: It is an intermediate thalassemia condition. Here one needs close health monitoring with periodic check-ups.

If someone thinks that thalassemia is a deterrent to family planning, they are wrong. One can conceive through these effective processes:

  • CVS Testing: It is a vital testing method involving collecting chorionic villi cells from the placenta.
  • Amniocentesis: In this test, the tester collects a small amount of fluid from the amniotic sac. The amniotic fluid surrounding the embryo can effectively indicate the signs of thalassemia.

IFM Fetal Medicine Unit Kolkata

Now that one knows all the details about thalassemia and its effects on family planning; it will be easier to make the right decisions. For better testing assistance, one should contact a reliable source like Institute of Fetal Medicine. We are a premier source in Kolkata for thalassemia tests. For more information, one can visit our website today.

Categories
blog page

Everything You Need to Know About Fetal Echocardiography

A test that applies sound waves to analyze a baby’s heart before birth is known as Fetal Echocardiography. This test is performed during the second session of pregnancy, which is between 18 to 24 weeks. And, it is done through the vagina or on the belly. 

Fetal echocardiography can track any heart issues prior to birth. It allows doctors to check the flow of blood via the fetus’s heart. This lets them assure whether there are any abnormalities in the baby’s heartbeat. If any issue is found earlier, the treatment will work more efficiently. 

Why fetal echocardiography is important? 

Fetal echo provides the following advantages:

  • In some cases, doctors can treat the issue prior to birth
  • Doctors can get ready for unexpected issues that may arise during labor and delivery
  • Doctors can able to schedule an early delivery 
  • The treatment can proceed once the baby is born


Reasons you should undergo this treatment
 

When it comes to the below-mentioned conditions, doctors recommend this treatment:

  • You already have a child with a heart defect
  • You have a family history of genetic heart issues
  • There is a genetic issue in the fetus 
  • You have consumed drugs during your pregnancy
  • You take medicines that can cause congenital heart problems. (medicines used for anxiety, seizures, and acne)
  • You have lupus, diabetes, or phenylketonuria
  • Your baby is showing signs of too slow, fast, or irregular heartbeats
  • You conceived at an advanced age
  • The fetal ultrasound is showing signs of abnormalities 


What happens during the treatment?

This treatment or test is performed by a trained maternal-fetal medicine specialist, pediatric cardiologist, radiologist, or obstetrician. Usually, the steps are as follows:

  • You have to lie down on a table without changing your clothes
  • The healthcare provider will use gel on your belly  
  • The healthcare provider will make use of an electric device known as a transducer to send sound waves
  • The provider will move the device around to capture the best fetal heart images 
  • The gel is wiped off once the test is done

IFM Fetal Medicine Unit Kolkata

If you are a pregnant woman and want the best fetal care, then look no further than  Institute Of Fetal Medicine. We have the best team of experts in Kolkata who can perform timely tests to evaluate problems (if any) on both you and your baby to facilitate the best possible treatment.

Categories
blog page

Few Important Points about Fetal Echocardiography that You Must Know

If you are an expecting parent, you might know the importance of regular check-ups during pregnancy. During this time frame, the expecting mother has to undergo different medical procedures. These are important to determine the health, growth and overall well-being of the fetus.

Basics of Fetal Echocardiography:

In the age of modern medical technology, doctors have access to upgraded tools. These can play a major role in detecting congenital diseases in the developing baby. If you want to determine if the foetus is suffering from heart disorders, you can get real-time information with the help of fetal echocardiography.

How Can Fetal Echocardiogram Benefit You?

The procedure of fetal echocardiography has become popular in the last few years among parents. It has a number of benefits, which are discussed in detail in the following part.

  • Screening Congenital Heart Disease: Congenital Heart Disease or CHD is a health problem that carries on through generations. If a mother suffers from CHD, she would want to know if her baby suffers from the same problem. A fetal echocardiogram can detect the signs of these diseases in the fetus. You can find them discussed in detail in the report.
  • Prevents Premature Birth: The screening done by FEC helps the parents get the right information about the baby’s position. It also provides a clear picture of the uterus’ condition. These points are important to prevent the chances of premature birth. Thus, FEC can prevent the health hazards caused by premature delivery to both the mother and the offspring.
  • Determines the Risks of Miscarriage: Miscarriage is an unfortunate incident where the expecting mother may lose her baby before delivery. It can happen due to a number of reasons. With a Fetal echocardiogram, you can get proper information about the chances of miscarriage. This helps in critical deliveries and determining the health of the baby.
  • Determining Abnormalities in Pregnancy: Apart from detecting several diseases, FEC plays an instrumental role in identifying maternal conditions. By getting the right information about issues in pregnancy, the parents can remain assured of a normal delivery. The screening can help detect issues in the placenta and umbilical cord. It can also identify maternal health conditions in the baby.

IFM Fetal Medicine Unit Kolkata

These are some important benefits offered by Fetal echocardiogram. To get accurate results with this screening procedure, you must visit a reliable source like Institute of Fetal Medicine. We are a trusted name for conducting non-invasive pregnancy tests like fetal echocardiograms. For more details about us, you can visit our website.

Categories
blog page Down Syndrome

Why is Prenatal Down Syndrome Screening Vital for New Parents?

Giving birth to a healthy baby is the most cherished wish for any parent. To ensure that, they reach all the extent to check the health and well-being of the unborn baby. Thanks to modern technology and modern prenatal screening, it has become easy to detect all kinds of medical issues in the fetus.

Importance of Checking Down Syndrome Symptoms:

Checking the signs of down syndrome through proper screening is an important medical requirement that parents need to follow. It is a very important prenatal genetic testing process which can help the parents detect the earlier signs of this medical condition. It is completely non-invasive and highly accurate and can clearly depict the fetus’ health.

More About Down Syndrome:

Before going for a down syndrome screening in Kolkata, parents should have a clear knowledge of the syndrome itself. It is a genetic disorder that affects a person with an extra chromosome. Human babies are generally born with 46 chromosomes. The extra chromosome causes an imbalance, which is medically termed ‘trisomy’.

Features of Down Syndrome in Individuals:95% of people with down syndrome are affected by trisomy. Though the affected individuals may be different from one another, they may show some similar physical features, like:

  • Flattened Face
  • Smaller Ears
  • Shorter Height
  • Smaller Limbs (Hand and feet)
  • Delays in Intellectual Assimilation and Speech

Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests for Down Syndrome:

Routine screening is necessary to prevent their child from getting affected by such a complex disease. It is an important part of prenatal care, which includes different steps. The screening requires a diagnostic test, which may determine the presence of an extra chromosome in the fetus. It includes the extraction of genetic samples through medical procedures, like:

  • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): The medic extracts cells from the placenta. The procedure is generally performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. The procedure carries a very low chance of miscarriage.
  • Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS): In this procedure, a blood sample is collected from the umbilical cord. It is one of the most accurate prenatal tests to determine down syndrome. The test has to be done once the mother reaches their second trimester.
  • Amniocentesis Sampling: It is a sample collected from amniotic fluid, which is taken with the help of a needle from the uterus. It is carried out after the 15th week of pregnancy.

IFM Fetal Medicine Unit Kolkata

With this medical testing procedure, one can understand if their fetus is facing healthy growth. To get better assistance in down syndrome screening in Kolkata, you can communicate with Institute of Fetal Medicine. They are a trusted establishment that can perform a wide range of non-invasive prenatal tests.

Categories
blog page

Genetic Testing: Why It Is Important for Fetal Medicine and Care?

Genetic testing is an essential tool that can help identify potential health risks and genetic disorders in unborn babies. This type of medical examination is becoming increasingly common as technological advances make detecting genetic abnormalities early on in a pregnancy easier.

It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits of fetal genetic testing and determine whether it’s the right option for you and your family.

How Genetic Testing Helps in Fetal Medicine?

Early detection of probable abnormalities in the fetus through genetic testing in Kolkata can lead to personalized medical care and reduce anxiety in would-be parents. This blog will discuss five important reasons why fetal genetic testing is essential.

1.    Early Detection of Genetic Disorders

Fetal genetic testing can detect genetic disorders early on in a pregnancy, allowing parents to prepare for the birth of a child with special needs. Early detection can also allow parents to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and whether to continue or terminate it if necessary.

2.   Personalized Medical Care

This examination can help doctors provide personalized medical care to the mother and the baby. With the information obtained from this testing, doctors can monitor the pregnancy more closely, provide appropriate medical interventions, and ensure the baby receives the necessary treatment after birth.

3.    Reducing Anxiety and Stress

For parents with a family history of genetic disorders or at risk of passing on a genetic mutation, fetal genetic testing can provide peace of mind. Knowing that their baby has no genetic disorder can help reduce anxiety and stress during pregnancy, allowing parents to enjoy this special time.

4.    Improving Outcomes

Early detection of genetic disorders can lead to better outcomes for the baby. With appropriate medical interventions and treatments, babies with genetic disorders can live longer, healthier lives. In some cases, early detection may even prevent the onset of symptoms or slow down the disorder’s progression.

5.    Family Planning

Genetic testing can help families make informed decisions about their family planning. For couples who have a high risk of passing on a genetic disorder, it can provide valuable information about the risk of future pregnancies. This information can help couples decide whether to have children and how to plan for their future.IFM Fetal Medicine Unit Kolkata

At the Institute of Fetal Medicine, you can meet and consult some of the top experts in genetic testing and get their support throughout the process. Please get in touch with our team to book your appointment.

Categories
blog page

Why Is It Essential to Get A Thalassemia Test Conducted During Pregnancy?

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Thalassemia is a prevalent disease in many parts of the world. A thalassemia test is essential, especially during pregnancy. If the pregnant mother is detected with alpha thalassemia, the foetus will develop acute anaemia due to a lack of oxygen supply into the cells.

Read on to learn more about the importance of thalassemia testing during pregnancy.

Why is Thalassemia testing important for pregnant women?

 

Early detection of Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited genetic condition. If both parents are carriers of the thalassemia gene, there is a 25% chance that their child will have thalassemia major, a severe form of the disease. Thalassemia testing during pregnancy can detect the presence of the thalassemia gene in the foetus. Early detection is essential because it allows parents to make informed decisions about the pregnancy.

Better management of Thalassemia

If Thalassemia is detected during pregnancy, the parents can prepare themselves to manage the disease. Thalassemia major requires lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, and the earlier these interventions are initiated, the better the outcomes. If the foetus is diagnosed with thalassemia major, the parents can work with their healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan that ensures the best possible outcomes for the child.

Increased prenatal care

Thalassemia testing during pregnancy provides an opportunity for increased prenatal care. If Thalassemia is detected, the parents can work closely with their healthcare providers to ensure the pregnancy is well-managed. Regular check-ups, including ultrasounds and other tests, can help ensure that complications are detected early and addressed promptly.

Reduced risk of complications during delivery

Pregnancies affected by Thalassemia can have increased risks of complications during delivery, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Thalassemia testing during pregnancy can help identify potential risks and allow healthcare providers to develop a management plan that reduces the risk of complications.

Knowledge for future pregnancies

If Thalassemia is detected during pregnancy, the parents can gain valuable knowledge to help them plan for future pregnancies. They can work with their healthcare providers to understand the risks and explore options, such as genetic counselling, to help them make informed decisions about future pregnancies.

IFM Fetal Medicine Unit Kolkata

Approach the Institute of Fetal Medicine for a thalassemia test during pregnancy. We have state of the art technologies to help with proper thalassemia tests and consultation. To know more, check our website.