logo

Tag: Amniocentesis

Categories
Amniocentesis Test blog page Down Syndrome Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Test

What Does an Anomaly Scan Detect in Pregnancy?

What Does an Anomaly Scan Detect in Pregnancy

The Anomaly Scan, also known as the Level II Ultrasound, is a crucial mid-pregnancy screening performed between 18 to 22 weeks. This detailed scan helps assess the baby’s growth, development, and overall well-being, ensuring early detection of any abnormalities.

At our fetal medicine center in Kolkata, we offer advanced anomaly scans to provide expectant parents with comprehensive insights into their baby’s health.

1️⃣ Fetal Anatomy Examination

The anomaly scan provides a detailed view of the baby’s organs and structures, including:
✔ Brain and skull – Detects neural tube defects like spina bifida
✔ Heart – Identifies congenital heart defects (fetal echocardiography in Kolkata may be recommended for further evaluation)
✔ Face – Checks for cleft lip and palate
✔ Limbs – Assesses proper development of arms, legs, fingers, and toes
✔ Spine – Screens for spinal deformities

👉 This scan is crucial for ensuring your baby’s structural development is progressing normally.

2️⃣ Detection of Structural Abnormalities

The anomaly scan in Kolkata is performed by fetal medicine specialists to identify:
🔹 Brain abnormalities (Hydrocephalus, Anencephaly)
🔹 Heart defects (Congenital Heart Disease)
🔹 Kidney issues (Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney, Hydronephrosis)
🔹 Limb abnormalities (Clubfoot, Skeletal Dysplasia)
🔹 Facial defects (Cleft Lip, Micrognathia)

Early detection allows for better medical planning and management of high-risk pregnancies.

3️⃣ Monitoring Fetal Growth

The anomaly scan also checks if the baby is growing as expected. Key parameters measured include:
✔ Head circumference (HC)
✔ Abdominal circumference (AC)
✔ Femur length (FL)

👉 If any growth concerns arise, fetal growth monitoring in Kolkata is recommended for continued assessment.

4️⃣ Assessing Amniotic Fluid Levels

Amniotic fluid is vital for fetal movement and lung development. The anomaly scan helps detect:
🔹 Low amniotic fluid (Oligohydramnios) – Can indicate placental insufficiency or fetal kidney issues
🔹 Excess amniotic fluid (Polyhydramnios) – May be linked to diabetes, fetal swallowing issues, or chromosomal abnormalities

Abnormal fluid levels may require additional screening at our fetal medicine clinic in Kolkata.

Why Get an Anomaly Scan at Our Fetal Medicine Center?

✔ Best fetal medicine doctor in Kolkata for expert evaluation
✔ Comprehensive prenatal diagnostics in Kolkata
✔ Advanced fetal medicine services in Kolkata for high-risk pregnancies
✔ Maternal-fetal care in Kolkata for ongoing monitoring

Book Your Anomaly Scan Today!

Ensure your baby’s health and development with an anomaly scan at our fetal care clinic in Kolkata. Early screening leads to better pregnancy outcomes!

💙 Your Baby’s Health is Our Priority! 💙

Categories
Amniocentesis Test Doppler Test Down Syndrome Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Test Thalassemia

Worried About Your First Trimester Screening Results? Don’t Stress

Worried About Your First Trimester Screening Results

The first trimester screening is a crucial test that helps assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. While receiving unexpected results can be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that screening tests are not diagnostic—they only indicate risk levels. If you are feeling anxious about your first trimester screening results, seeking a second opinion from a fetal medicine specialist can provide clarity and reassurance.

Why Get a Second Opinion?

🔹 Confirm Accuracy – Sometimes, factors like maternal age, incorrect gestational age, or certain health conditions can influence screening results.
🔹 Comprehensive Evaluation – An expert fetal medicine doctor can recommend further tests such as NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) or diagnostic procedures like CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) or Amniocentesis for confirmation.
🔹 Personalized Counselling – Get a detailed explanation of your results, risks, and next steps with genetic counselling in Kolkata.

Advanced Diagnostic Options at Our Fetal Medicine Center

✔ NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) – A highly accurate blood test to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
✔ Fetal Echocardiography – A specialized scan to check for congenital heart defects.
✔ Detailed Ultrasounds & Anomaly Scan – Helps detect structural abnormalities early.
✔ Genetic Counselling – Expert guidance to help you make informed decisions.

At our fetal medicine clinic in Kolkata, we provide comprehensive prenatal diagnostics to ensure the best possible care for you and your baby.

Why Choose Us for a Second Opinion?

✔ Best fetal medicine doctor in Kolkata with expertise in high-risk pregnancies.
✔ Advanced fetal medicine services in Kolkata for precise and reliable screenings.
✔ A dedicated fetal diagnostics center in Kolkata for in-depth evaluation.
✔ Expert maternal-fetal care in Kolkata to guide you at every step.

Book Your Second Opinion Consultation Today!

Don’t let uncertainty and stress take over—get the right advice from experts at our fetal care clinic in Kolkata. A second opinion can bring clarity and peace of mind!

💙 Your Baby’s Health is Our Priority! 💙

Categories
Amniocentesis Test blog page Doppler Test Down Syndrome Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Test Thalassemia

Essential Pregnancy Scans You Should Take for a Healthy Baby

Essential Pregnancy Scans You Should Take for a Healthy Baby

Prenatal ultrasounds play a vital role in monitoring fetal development and maternal health throughout pregnancy. These scans help detect abnormalities, assess growth, and ensure timely medical intervention if needed. Here are three essential pregnancy scans every expectant mother should undergo:

1️⃣ NT & NB Scan (Nuchal Translucency & Nasal Bone Scan) – First Trimester

When? 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy
Why? This scan is part of first-trimester screening to detect the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13).

🔹 NT (Nuchal Translucency) Scan – Measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck.
🔹 NB (Nasal Bone) Scan – Checks if the nasal bone is properly formed, as its absence can indicate genetic concerns.

👉 This scan is usually accompanied by pre-eclampsia screening and a maternal blood test for better accuracy.

✅ Performed at our prenatal ultrasound clinic in Kolkata under the guidance of expert fetal medicine specialists.

2️⃣ Anomaly Scan – Second Trimester

When? 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy
Why? Also known as the Level II ultrasound, this detailed scan examines:
✔ Baby’s organs, brain, spine, and heart
✔ Facial features and limbs
✔ Placental position and amniotic fluid levels

👉 The anomaly scan in Kolkata is crucial for detecting structural abnormalities and guiding high-risk pregnancy care.

✅ If necessary, additional tests like fetal echocardiography in Kolkata may be recommended for heart-related concerns.

3️⃣ Growth Scan & Doppler Study – Third Trimester

When? 28 to 40 weeks of pregnancy
Why? These scans monitor:
✔ Fetal growth & weight
✔ Placental health and blood flow
✔ Oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby

🔹 Doppler Ultrasound measures the blood flow in the umbilical cord, brain, and heart, ensuring the baby is getting adequate nutrients and oxygen.
🔹 Helps assess conditions like fetal growth restriction (FGR) and guides delivery planning.

✅ Available at our fetal diagnostics center in Kolkata, ensuring best fetal care in Kolkata for both mother and baby.

Why Choose Our Fetal Medicine Center?

✔ Best fetal medicine doctor in Kolkata for expert guidance
✔ Advanced fetal medicine services in Kolkata for high-risk pregnancies
✔ Maternal-fetal care in Kolkata for comprehensive support
✔ Genetic counselling in Kolkata for informed decision-making

Book Your Pregnancy Scans Today!

Ensure the best care for you and your baby with essential pregnancy scans at our fetal care clinic in Kolkata. Early detection leads to better outcomes!

💙 Your Baby’s Health Starts Here! 💙

Categories
blog page Down Syndrome Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Test Thalassemia

Pre-eclampsia Screening: Early Detection for a Healthier Pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia Screening Early Detection for a Healthier Pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, affecting 5 to 8% of pregnancies. It can lead to complications for both the mother and baby if left undiagnosed. However, early screening in the first trimester—done at the time of the Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan—can help identify women at risk and allow for timely medical intervention.

At our fetal medicine center in Kolkata, we offer advanced prenatal screening for pre-eclampsia to ensure optimal maternal and fetal health.

What is Pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can cause:
✔ High blood pressure (hypertension)
✔ Protein in the urine (proteinuria)
✔ Swelling in the hands, face, and legs
✔ Severe headaches and vision disturbances
✔ Complications affecting the liver, kidneys, and placenta

First Trimester Pre-eclampsia Screening

Pre-eclampsia screening is done between 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy as part of the NT scan and first trimester combined screening at our prenatal ultrasound clinic in Kolkata. This screening assesses:

  • Maternal risk factors (age, weight, medical history)
  • Blood pressure measurements
  • Uterine artery Doppler scan (to check blood flow to the placenta)
  • Placental growth factor (PlGF) and PAPP-A blood tests

Why is Early Screening Important?

✅ Early Risk Identification – Helps predict the likelihood of developing pre-eclampsia.
✅ Timely Preventive Measures – Low-dose aspirin and lifestyle adjustments can reduce risks.
✅ Better Pregnancy Monitoring – Women identified as high-risk receive specialized maternal-fetal care in Kolkata.
✅ Prevention of Severe Complications – Reduces risks of preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and organ complications.

Who Should Get Screened?

Screening is especially recommended for women with:

  • First pregnancy
  • History of pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancies
  • High blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease
  • Obesity or advanced maternal age
  • Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)

Comprehensive Fetal & Maternal Care in Kolkata

Our fetal medicine specialists in Kolkata provide high-risk pregnancy care through advanced fetal medicine services like:
🔹 Anomaly scan in Kolkata for fetal health assessment
🔹 Fetal echocardiography in Kolkata to detect heart defects
🔹 Fetal growth monitoring for at-risk pregnancies
🔹 Genetic counselling in Kolkata for personalized guidance

Book Your Pre-eclampsia Screening Today!

Early detection can make all the difference! Visit our fetal care clinic in Kolkata for pregnancy health screening and expert evaluation by the best fetal medicine doctor in Kolkata.

Your Health & Your Baby’s Well-Being Matter! 💙

Categories
Amniocentesis Test blog page Doppler Test Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Test Thalassemia

First Trimester Combined Screening: Early Detection for a Healthy Pregnancy

First Trimester Combined Screening Early Detection for a Healthy Pregnancy

First Trimester Combined Screening (FTCS) is a crucial prenatal test conducted between 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13). This non-invasive screening combines a blood test and nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound to provide essential insights into the baby’s health.

At our fetal medicine center in Kolkata, we offer advanced prenatal screening conducted by expert fetal medicine specialists to ensure early detection and timely intervention.

What Does First Trimester Combined Screening Include?

FTCS consists of two key components:

1. Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan

This specialized ultrasound measures the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck. An increased NT measurement may indicate a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities or congenital heart defects. The anomaly scan in Kolkata and fetal echocardiography in Kolkata may be recommended for further evaluation.

2. Maternal Blood Test

A blood sample is analyzed for two pregnancy-related proteins:
✔ Free Beta-hCG: Higher levels may indicate an increased risk of chromosomal conditions.
✔ PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A): Low levels may be linked to genetic disorders.

The results of these tests, combined with maternal age and other risk factors, help assess the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities.

Why is First Trimester Screening Important?

  • Early Risk Assessment: Detects potential genetic conditions in the first trimester.
  • Non-Invasive and Safe: No harm to the baby or mother.
  • Helps in Decision-Making: Parents can opt for further prenatal diagnostics in Kolkata, such as Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), or Amniocentesis, if needed.
  • Guides High-Risk Pregnancy Care: If a high risk is detected, specialized maternal-fetal care in Kolkata can be planned.

Who Should Get This Screening?

FTS is recommended for all pregnant women, particularly those:
✅ With a history of chromosomal disorders
✅ Who have had abnormal ultrasound findings
✅ Who want early insights into fetal health

Expert Fetal Care in Kolkata

Our fetal diagnostics center in Kolkata offers state-of-the-art pregnancy health screening and fetal growth monitoring under the guidance of the best fetal medicine doctor in Kolkata. If necessary, our experts also provide genetic counselling in Kolkata to help parents understand their options.

Book Your Screening Today!

Ensure the best fetal care in Kolkata with First Trimester Combined Screening at our fetal medicine clinic in Kolkata. Schedule your appointment with our high-risk pregnancy specialist in Kolkata for expert evaluation and peace of mind.

Your baby’s health starts with early detection and the right care. 💙

Categories
blog page Down Syndrome Pregnancy Test

Understanding Down Syndrome: Early Diagnosis & Prenatal Care

Understanding Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It affects physical growth, cognitive development, and intellectual abilities, often presenting with distinct facial features. While Down Syndrome cannot be prevented, early diagnosis and proper medical support can help individuals lead fulfilling lives. At our fetal medicine center in Kolkata, we provide comprehensive prenatal diagnostics to ensure timely detection and informed decision-making for expecting parents.

What Causes Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome occurs due to a genetic anomaly known as trisomy 21, where an individual has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. This additional genetic material affects development in various ways. The exact cause of this chromosomal abnormality remains unknown, but advanced maternal age is a significant risk factor.

How is Down Syndrome Diagnosed?

1. Prenatal Screening Tests

These tests assess the risk of Down Syndrome in a fetus. Common screening methods available at our prenatal ultrasound clinic in Kolkata include:

  • First-trimester combined screening: Blood test + nuchal translucency ultrasound
  • Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): A highly accurate blood test analyzing fetal DNA

2. Diagnostic Tests for Confirmation

If a screening test indicates a high risk, diagnostic tests are performed at our fetal diagnostics center in Kolkata:

  • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) (10–13 weeks)
  • Amniocentesis (15–20 weeks)

Role of Fetal Ultrasound in Down Syndrome Detection

Advanced imaging techniques like the anomaly scan in Kolkata and fetal echocardiography in Kolkata help identify physical markers associated with Down Syndrome, such as heart defects, short femur length, and increased nuchal translucency.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early detection at a fetal medicine clinic in Kolkata enables:
✔ Informed decision-making for parents
✔ Early intervention plans for better health outcomes
✔ Specialized care for high-risk pregnancies

Expert Care at the Best Fetal Medicine Center in Kolkata

At the Institute of Fetal Medicine, Kolkata, our team of fetal medicine specialists in Kolkata provides expert genetic counselling in Kolkata to help parents understand their baby’s health. With advanced fetal medicine services in Kolkata, we ensure accurate diagnosis, compassionate guidance, and the best support for expecting families.

Comprehensive Fetal Care in Kolkata

If you are expecting and want to ensure the best fetal care in Kolkata, visit our maternal-fetal care center in Kolkata for advanced prenatal screening and fetal growth monitoring.

Book an Appointment Today!

For accurate diagnosis and expert guidance from the best fetal medicine doctor in Kolkata, schedule a consultation at our fetal care clinic in Kolkata. Your baby’s health is our priority!

Categories
blog page Thalassemia

Ways Thalassemia Can Impact Pregnancy and Family Planning

Thalassemia-Test

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.

logo

Copyright 2023 IFM Kolkata, All rights reserved | Designed By LNSEL