FAQ - IFM Kolkata

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a fetal medicine specialist during pregnancy?

They are generally gynecologists by degree and have become specialists in matters of fetal science. When you visit a fetal specialist during your pregnancy, they will take the complete medical history of your family and recommend you the different Diagnostic tests like USG Anomaly Scan, Growth Scan, Doppler Screening etc. They'll also provide counseling related to the treatment of any issues in the pregnancy and will prepare an effective diet chart for the pregnant mother and unborn child.

What tests does a fetal medicine specialist suggest during the entire pregnancy period?

During the overall pregnancy period, there will be many tests that you would have to undergo. Some of the standard tests include NT scan, Amniocentesis, Chorionic villus sampling, Down syndrome test and Ultrasounds. Blood tests include Human chorionic gonadotropin test, AFP screening, Glucose testing and haemoglobin level testing.

What does an NT scan detect?

A nuchal translucency scan is performed within 11 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. With the help of this one test, your doctor tries to identify chromosomal abnormalities, the possibility of Down syndrome and any other problems that might have occurred in the unborn child through heredity. Since it is done in the early phase, hence treatment becomes easier if anything is detected.

Why is fetal echo performed on an unborn child?

This test is not mandatory for all pregnant women and is generally done during Midpregnancy period between 20 to 24 weeks. There's no pain involved in the test. It's like a simple sonography process. You can hear your unborn child's heart echo through the test. This is done to check the heart's conditions and detailed structures.

What is Amniocentesis, and how is it done?

This is a practical test conducted during the 16 to 22 weeks of gestation period to detect any chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn child. A small amount of amniotic fluid is taken out of the sac from the mother's uterus, and genetic testing is done. All doctors suggest since it helps identify any fetal disorders and diagnose them. Early treatment helps in reducing the issues later.

When and why do you need Chorionic Villus sampling?

This test is not recommended for all pregnant mothers. If the fetal specialist, after examining the fetus's health through different tests, feels that there is some issue with the unborn child, then this test is suggested. Moreover, for the following reasons as well you may need to get this test done

If the results of prenatal tests are abnormal.

If you, your partner or any family member has a genetic disorder.

If you've any child with a genetic disorder.

What are the conditions that indicate a high-risk pregnancy?

Pregnant mothers who have the following diseases are considered under the high-risk pregnancy zone.

High blood pressure

Obesity

Chronic diabetes with a family history of the same.

Thyroid disease

Asthmatic conditions

Heart and blood disorders

Age above 35 years

History of multiple miscarriages or pre-term birth

Having babies with multiple or genetic disorders.

Is a Down syndrome test necessary during pregnancy? If yes, then why?

Down syndrome is a common problem found in many children nowadays. Routine screening is advocated now a days for all pregnant mothers. If the test is done at the right time during the first trimester, then the proximity of getting accurate results are high.

What can I expect during a maternal-fetal consultation?

During an MFM consultation, you can discuss all your queries related to pregnancy and fetus. You can also expect a detailed explanation of different tests and the problems that may arise during the tenure of pregnancy. This is a beneficial consultation for first-time mothers and women who are having a high-risk pregnancy.

Will I be briefed about genetic disorders in the unborn baby during fetal medicine counseling?

Yes, you'll be briefed about the probable genetic disorders that might occur in your unborn baby and the problems that can arise out of the same. There are two types of genetic disorders: firstly, the inherited genetic disorders and the developed genetic disorders. The specialist will brief you about Aneuploidy. This is a condition where there might be missing or extra chromosomes present in the unborn baby. You'll also come to know about inherited genetic issues like sickle disease, cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease, Cystic fibrosis and Thalassemia. All necessary tests will be performed on the pregnant mother to start early treatment for the same.

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