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Why the Second Trimester Anomaly Scan Should Never Be Missed in Pregnancy

Why the Second Trimester Anomaly Scan Should Never Be Missed in Pregnancy

The second trimester anomaly scan is a crucial part of prenatal care, typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. This detailed ultrasound examination plays a key role in assessing the baby’s development, helping detect any structural abnormalities early. Missing this scan can mean losing a valuable opportunity for early diagnosis and timely intervention.

What is the Second Trimester Anomaly Scan?

Also referred to as the level 2 ultrasound, the anomaly scan goes beyond the basic pregnancy check-up by offering an in-depth look at the fetal anatomy. This includes examination of:

  • The brain and spinal cord
  • The heart and its chambers
  • The facial structure, including the lips and jaw
  • The limbs and digits
  • Major organs like the kidneys, stomach, and bladder
  • Fetal growth measurements to ensure the baby is developing properly
  • The placenta’s position and the amount of amniotic fluid

Why is the Anomaly Scan So Important?

Here are some of the key reasons why you should never skip the second trimester anomaly scan:

  • Detect Congenital Anomalies Early:
    Many birth defects such as congenital heart defects, neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida), and cleft lip and palate, and limb deformities can be diagnosed during this scan. Early detection allows better preparation and possible treatment options.
  • Helps Plan Pregnancy and Delivery:
    If abnormalities are found, doctors can design a detailed care plan for the pregnancy and delivery. For example, some conditions may require delivery at a specialized centre equipped for neonatal surgery or intensive care.
  • Provides Reassurance for Parents:
    Seeing that the baby is growing well and has no detected anomalies offers immense peace of mind and reduces anxiety during pregnancy.
  • Monitors Placental Health and Amniotic Fluid:
    Problems with the placenta or amniotic fluid levels can affect pregnancy outcomes. Detecting these issues early allows timely management to protect both mother and baby.

What Happens If You Skip the Anomaly Scan?

Skipping this important scan can have several implications:

  • Missed Early Diagnosis of Treatable Conditions:
    Without this scan, structural defects might only be found after birth, limiting treatment options and increasing risks.
  • Increased Risk of Being Unprepared:
    Parents and healthcare providers might face unexpected complications during delivery without prior planning.
  • Limited Prenatal Counselling and Support:
    Knowing about fetal conditions early helps families access counselling, make informed decisions, and arrange appropriate care.

When Should You Schedule the Anomaly Scan?

The best time for this scan is between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation when fetal structures are developed enough for detailed assessment. Scheduling within this window ensures accurate and comprehensive evaluation.

The second trimester anomaly scan is a cornerstone of prenatal care. It provides detailed insights into fetal development, helps anticipate potential challenges, and enables optimal pregnancy management. For the health and safety of both mother and baby, this scan should never be missed.

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

Myotonic Dystrophy: Symptoms, Genetics, and Pregnancy Implications

Myotonic Dystrophy: Symptoms, Genetics, and Pregnancy Implications

Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and difficulty relaxing muscles after contraction, known as myotonic. This inherited condition affects multiple systems in the body and has important implications for affected individuals and their families—especially women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant. Awareness and proper care are essential for managing this complex disorder.

Causes and Genetics of Myotonic Dystrophy

Myotonic dystrophy is caused by mutations in the DMPK gene (for type 1) or in the CNBP gene (for type 2), leading to abnormal muscle function.

  • It follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, which means if one parent carries the mutation, there is a 50% chance of passing the condition to the child.
  • The severity and symptoms can vary widely even within the same family.
  • There are two main types:
    • Type 1 (DM1) – more common and typically more severe.
    • Type 2 (DM2) – generally milder but still impacts quality of life.

Symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy

Symptoms can affect various parts of the body and usually develop gradually:

  • Muscle Weakness and Myotonic: Difficulty relaxing muscles after use, stiffness, and progressive weakening.
  • Early-Onset Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens appearing earlier than usual.
  • Cardiac Conduction Defects: Irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias that can require medical attention.
  • Respiratory Difficulties: Due to weakened respiratory muscles.
  • Cognitive and Learning Challenges: Some individuals may experience mild intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties.
  • Other Symptoms: Fatigue, swallowing difficulties, and hormonal imbalances.

Implications of Myotonic Dystrophy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy in women with myotonic dystrophy requires special attention because of the increased risk of complications:

  • Monitoring for Preterm Labour and Miscarriage: Women with DM have a higher risk of these issues.
  • Genetic Counselling: Essential for understanding the inheritance pattern and the likelihood of passing the disorder to the baby.
  • Prenatal Testing Options:
    • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) between 10-13 weeks or
    • Amniocentesis between 15-20 weeks can detect whether the fetus has inherited the condition.
  • Fetal Monitoring: Regular ultrasounds and fetal assessments to ensure healthy development.

Management and Care for Myotonic Dystrophy

A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for managing myotonic dystrophy effectively:

  • Neurologists provide muscle and nerve care.
  • Cardiologists monitor and manage heart-related issues.
  • Obstetricians oversee pregnancy health and fetal monitoring.
  • Genetic Counsellors help families understand risks and make informed reproductive choices.
  • Symptomatic Treatments: There is no cure, but therapies exist to improve muscle strength, reduce myotonic, and manage heart conditions.
  • Regular Prenatal Check-ups: Close monitoring is necessary to detect and manage any pregnancy complications early.

Myotonic dystrophy is a complex inherited disorder that can significantly impact pregnancy and family planning. Early diagnosis, genetic counselling, and coordinated medical care are key to managing the condition and supporting affected families. Women with myotonic dystrophy should work closely with their healthcare team to ensure the best outcomes for themselves and their babies.

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Pregnant with Monochorionic Twins? Expert Care for a Safe and Healthy Pregnancy

regnant with Monochorionic Twins

Carrying monochorionic twins is a rare and exciting experience, but it also comes with unique challenges that require specialized monitoring and care. Since identical twins share the same placenta, they are at a higher risk of certain pregnancy complications, making regular fetal monitoring essential. At the Institute of Fetal Medicine, Kolkata, we offer advanced prenatal screening and expert fetal care to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and babies.

Understanding Monochorionic Twins

Monochorionic twins develop when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos, resulting in genetically identical babies. Unlike fraternal twins, monochorionic twins share a placenta, which increases the risk of specific complications, including:

🔹 Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) – Unequal blood flow between twins due to shared placental circulation, requiring early detection.
🔹 Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction (sIUGR) – One twin may receive fewer nutrients, leading to restricted growth.
🔹 Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS) – A rare condition where one twin becomes anemic while the other has an excess of red blood cells.
🔹 Cord Entanglement (in Monochorionic-Monoamniotic Twins) – Increased risk in twins sharing the same amniotic sac.

Why Regular Monitoring is Essential

Early detection of complications is key to managing risks and improving outcomes. Our fetal medicine specialists in Kolkata offer:

✔ First Trimester Screening – To assess risk factors and confirm chorionicity (whether twins share a placenta).
✔ Frequent Growth and Doppler Scans – To monitor fetal well-being and detect early signs of TTTS or sIUGR.
✔ Fetal Echocardiography – To assess heart development, as monochorionic twins have a higher risk of congenital heart defects.
✔ Expert Second Opinions & Genetic Counselling – Helping parents make informed decisions regarding their pregnancy.

Why Choose Us for Twin Pregnancy Care?

✔ Best fetal medicine doctor in Kolkata for expert twin pregnancy management.
✔ State-of-the-art fetal care clinic in Kolkata for high-risk pregnancy care.
✔ Advanced fetal medicine services in Kolkata to ensure the safest outcomes.
✔ Dedicated prenatal ultrasound clinic in Kolkata for frequent and specialized monitoring.

Book a Consultation with Our Fetal Medicine Experts

If you are expecting identical twins, don’t leave your pregnancy to chance. Get expert guidance and specialized care at our fetal diagnostics center in Kolkata to ensure a safe and healthy journey for you and your babies.

💙 Your Twins Deserve the Best Care! 💙

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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! 💙

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4 Interesting Facts about Maternal Fetal Medicine

Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist

Maternal Fetal Medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics. It mainly focuses on providing specialised care for mothers and fetuses that may be at risk of medical complications before, during, and after childbirth. When you visit and consult a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist, he or she can guide you regarding medicines, treatments, tests and lifestyles that a mother with a high-risk pregnancy should follow to keep everything under control till the delivery of the baby.

But, before you consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Kolkata, you must know some interesting facts about this subspecialty of obstetrics.

Things You Must Know about Maternal Fetal Medicine

Here are four interesting facts about Maternal-Fetal Medicine:

1. Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies. These specialists can diagnose, detect, and manage problems that could potentially arise during pregnancy or labour. This includes identifying genetic conditions or congenital disabilities, monitoring fetal growth and development, prescribing medications to treat any issue with the mother or fetus, as well as providing emotional support to the mother during a difficult time.

2. Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists also perform specialized tests to identify potential health issues in pregnant women and their unborn babies. These tests include ultrasound imaging, amniocentesis (which tests for genetic abnormalities), chorionic villus sampling (to test for chromosomal disorders), and non-stress testing (which monitors contractions).

3. In addition to diagnosis and treatment of maternal and fetal conditions, Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians often act as advocates for the mother-to- be’s rights; they work hard to ensure that she receives the best possible care throughout her pregnancy and labour experience. They may even coordinate referrals to other specialists if needed or requested by the patient.

4. Maternal Fetal Medicine doctors commonly collaborate with other medical professionals such as gynaecologists, midwives, neonatologists, anaesthesiologists, genetic counsellors, dieticians/nutritionists, social workers/case managers, therapists/counsellors, lactation
consultants/breastfeeding experts in order to provide comprehensive care for pregnant women and their unborn babies. It’s important that all members of the team work together to ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and baby before delivery day arrives!

Fetal Medicine Unit Kolkata

Institute Of Fetal Medicine is the right place for expecting mothers who are going through a high-risk pregnancy and need constant monitoring of specialists to ensure the good health of their unborn babies. We have highly advanced equipment, technologies and facilities to perform all the modern
medical examinations and treatments. We have a range of treatments monitored and delivered by the most qualified specialists in this industry.

Please get in touch with us for more information.

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