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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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4 Important Questions to Ask A Fetal Medicine Specialist

A high-risk pregnancy is a serious issue that should be handled properly. If you are one of the victims of this type of pregnancy, you should get proper treatment and care. The best tip would be to communicate with a reliable fetal medicine specialist near you.

Challenges of High-Risk Pregnancies:

Each trimester of a high-risk pregnancy may seem like a testing time for you. It can be both scary and stressful. However, communicating with a trusted specialist can help you reduce this stress. By making an appointment, you can remain assured of being more confident and relaxed about the whole process.

What to Ask a Fetal Medicine Specialist Regarding Pregnancy?

While visiting a fetal medicine specialist, you should ask some vital questions to them. Their answers should be able to answer your queries and provide you with the right information about the diagnosis. Some of these questions are discussed in detail below.

Are there Some Recommended Procedures for this Treatment?

Some high-risk pregnancy issues need in-utero surgery to fix the problem. These include critical issues like spina bifida. Others can be cured through regular monitoring or non-surgical treatments. Either way, your fetal medicine specialist will outline the treatment to solve your issue.

What Should I Expect from the Rest of My Pregnancy?

High-risk pregnancies generally do not follow the path of a regular pregnancy. You need to be more sensitive about your condition and be in constant touch with your specialist. You may expect frequent appointments, monitoring, and in some cases, be prepared for surgery. However, you should not panic about the outcomes and ask your concerns about your doctor.

Are there some symptoms of high-risk pregnancies?

Risky pregnancies often accompany several physical symptoms. You may face some physical discomfort like nausea, fatigue or high blood pressure. To confirm these symptoms, you should communicate with your fetal medicine specialist. They will be able to provide proper answers to your questions. You may also get tips from the doctor’s end to keep yourself healthy during this crucial period.

These are some questions that you should ask your infertility specialist in Kolkata regarding high-risk pregnancies. You can remain assured of getting proper assurance, guidance and treatment from their end. For better assistance, you must take help from Institute of Fetal Medicine. They are a trustworthy source known to treat infertility and perform tests like genetic testing. For more information, you can visit their website.

 

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What are the Benefits of Conducting a 3D Ultrasonography Pregnancy Test ?

Ultrasounds nowadays are more than shady and indecipherable pictures. 3D and 4D ultrasounds give a clearer view of the insides of the human body. With the help of high-frequency sound waves and special imaging software technology, the 3D Ultrasonography Pregnancy Test in Kolkata is the new trend among conceiving mothers. Having a clear first glimpse of your unborn foetus is certainly this world feeling. 3D ultrasounds have made it easier. The images you get are completely clear and free from obscurities. These ultrasounds produce clearer, sharper and accurate images of your little one.

Say no to the black and white blurry sonography pictures and enjoy the first glimpse of your child with the help of technologically upgraded 3D ultrasound systems. However, this is not the only benefit that 3D ultrasounds can give. They also offer more benefits which are as follows.

It helps to detect abnormalities

With 3D ultrasounds, doctors can see the abnormalities in a baby’s body. If there are any structural or facial abnormalities, then the same can be taken care of during the early stages of pregnancy. Unlike 2D ultrasound, this is more visible through a 3D ultrasound. This helps prepare the parents about the aftercare that they should take for the baby’s defects.

It helps to understand complications in pregnancy

If there is any complication in your pregnancy, a 3D ultrasound will determine the same effectively. Situations of ectopic pregnancy are easily determinable through 3D ultrasound methods. Early detection can save you and help you prevent a complicated pregnancy ahead. Ectopic pregnancy is a complex procedure and can result in a negative outcome.

It helps to monitor baby growth perfectly

The baby’s growth span, especially around 36 to 40 weeks, is easily detectable through 3D ultrasound technology. During this time, the breathing process, lung development and heart rates are observed closely. With the help of 3D technology, any congenital deformities can be detected very soon during the latter parts of the foetus development.

Helps to decide the type of delivery option

Ultrasounds in the latter stage of pregnancy are done to detect the baby’s position within the ovary. With the help of 3D ultrasound, you can easily get a view of the baby’s position and decide the delivery option accordingly. Options for either normal or c section can be easily taken when the doctors use 3D ultrasound.

At IFM Kolkata, we use a safe and secure process for a 3D ultrasound. Avail of our ultrasound services and enjoy a safe and comfortable journey of motherhood.

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All You Need To Know About Thalassemia During Pregnancy

Most expectant mothers with Thalassemia traits have very little knowledge about the condition during pregnancy and the tests they have to undertake after they have conceived a child. So, the first thing you have to do is get your partner screened if you have Thalassemia. It will help you determine whether there is a chance for the condition to pass onto your child.

What Do You Mean By Thalassemia? How Is It Caused?

It is a hereditary condition that prevents our body from producing adequate haemoglobin, responsible for carrying oxygen through our bloodstream.  Haemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells and comprises four protein subunits. More than 9000 children are born with Beta Thalassemia every year, making it one of India’s most common single-gene disorders. If you don’t want your child to be the next, visit the Institute of Fetal Medicine for Thalassemia Test in Kolkata.

How To Test For Thalassemia During Pregnancy?

You and your partner can get screened for Thalassemia both before and after conceiving a baby. Two common tests are the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Hemoglobin electrophoresis test. In addition, the doctor will conduct a blood test known as Complete Blood Count to track the presence of the Thalassemia trait in one’s body, the number of red blood cells and haemoglobin concentration.

What Does The Test Result Indicate?

Did you and your partner undergo the test before your pregnancy, and the test result showed that both of you are a silent carrier of Thalassemia? There is a 50% chance that your baby will become a carrier, there is a 25% chance that both of you being Thalassemia carrier won’t impact him and a 25% chance that your child will get the inherited blood disorder.

Do You Have To Worry About Thalassemia During Pregnancy?

Thalassemia is harmful to the unborn child during pregnancy if you fail to detect it at the right time. Expectant mothers should visit the Institute of Fetal Medicine for antenatal checkups at fixed intervals so doctors can closely monitor their health. Some doctors consider pregnancy with Thalassemia as a high-risk pregnancy.

The expectant mother can develop anaemia during her pregnancy if she only carries the traits. Proper management is necessary to prevent the condition from becoming severe. Prenatal testing will be necessary if both the parents have the trait. The test is done before the mother crosses her 12th-week pregnancy and helps in determining whether the baby will be born with Thalassemia Major.

What Is Beta-Thalassemia Major?

It is a severe condition when the child inherits one faulty gene from each parent. The number of healthy red blood cells in their body might be less than required. It makes them incapable of supplying sufficient oxygen through their body and causes life-threatening anaemia.

Conduct a Thalassemia test at the right time and you can decide whether you want to continue with the pregnancy or not.